If Dennis Whitley was nervous about being on the state’s biggest track stage, he didn’t show it last Thursday afternoon.
The Apalachee High School senior, who was competing in the high jump for the first time in 2009, calmly took third place at the Class AAAA event and had him and his coach wondering just what might have been had Whitley competed in track throughout high school.
Whitley cleared 6-4 in Jefferson, just short of his personnal best of 6-6. The AHS standout had to wait out two delays in the high jump competition, one because of a broken bar and one because of a short rain shower that moved through the stadium.
Still, through it all, Whitley remained his ever calm self and shined at his first-ever state competition last Thursday.
“It was a great day for Dennis and Apalachee High School at the state meet,” said Wildcat track coach David Wagner. “I was very proud of him for what he has accomplished over the course of this season.”
The AHS coach said the third-place showing by Whitley was the best of any athlete since he has been at the school.
“I had tried to get him to jump for me the past few years, and I am just glad that he finally made the decision to try track out,” Wagner said. “I hope after this more athletes like Dennis will make the decision to come out for track earlier.”
Whitley sailed over his first jump of 5-10 on his first attempt but needed all three tries to clear 6-0. He then cleared 6-2 and 6-4 on the first tries but could not get over 6-6.
Northgate’s Graylin Ward won the event at 6-8.
Like his state counterpart at WBHS, Whitley is still finalizing his college plans.
