Sidelines: Rogers Kynard jumps7-3 to win indoor meet

1/31/2008

The sky is the limit for Erik Kynard.

The Rogers junior high jumper cleared two of the best efforts of his career to win a pair of indoor championships. He established a personal-record of 7 feet, 3 inches at the University of Findlay Invitational on Jan. 19.

Kynard s leap stands as the best in the nation among high school competitors this indoor season. He would own Ohio s high school record had it taken place during the outdoor season. The Ohio High School Athletic Association does not recognize indoor track and field as a sanctioned sport.

It was high, Kynard said. I knew I could get it. The other meet I didn t get it but I knew I could make it because I was close then.

Kynard, a state finalist in the high jump the last two seasons, also recorded a jump of 7-1 for first place at the Ohio Northern University Invitational on Jan. 5.

In each case, Kynard won without practicing any high jump techniques this winter.

The extent of his winter workouts have been conditioning work running short and long distances and weight lifting.

Kynard said he may continue with the routine during the outdoor season.

I do better at meets when I don t practice [high jump], but we re going to take it one meet at a time, Kynard said. Right now, we re on a roll and I m doing fine.

The U.S. indoor men s record is 7-10 by Hollis Conway in 1991 and the outdoor mark is 7-7 by Andra Manson in 2002.

Kynard, who finished second at state in Division I last season and fourth as a freshman, has his sights set on winning a state championship.

His next indoor meet will be Feb. 13 at the University of Michigan.

I just want to do what I m doing now in the outdoor season, Kynard said.