’Canes’ Martin earns high jump state title

Matt Metcalf
Posted 8/9/15

Warwick Vets’ Levi Martin realized his state championship potential last spring.

During the 2014 outdoor track season, the ’Canes’ sophomore placed third in the high jump at Brown Stadium. …

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’Canes’ Martin earns high jump state title

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Warwick Vets’ Levi Martin realized his state championship potential last spring.

During the 2014 outdoor track season, the ’Canes’ sophomore placed third in the high jump at Brown Stadium.

So coming into this season, there was no reason why Martin couldn’t make that leap and become state champion, right?

That was Martin’s mentality.

And on Saturday, all of Martin’s hard work and dedication paid off, as he earned first at the RIIL State Championships at Brown with a jump of 6 feet, 4 inches.

“It feels great,” Martin said. “I’m glad I was able to put in the work and get first for my achievements.”

Martin edged out Hendricken’s Ben Murphy – this year’s indoor track state champion – for the title.

After both Martin and Murphy cleared the 6-foot, 2-inch plateau, Martin cleared the 6-foot, 4-inch mark on his first attempt, while Murphy used all three of his attempts and couldn’t clear the pole.

After seeing some success last season, Martin went to work on some of the technicalities with his jumps.

All of that preparation translated into results this season.

“I just focused on planting my foot right all off-season,” Martin said. “I tried to work on dorsiflexion with my foot. I also wanted to make sure I was relaxed through all of my motions, even before the meets.”

A junior coming into this year, Martin played basketball in the winter, bypassing the indoor track season for another sport that he enjoys.

But in Martin’s mind, basketball helped him for his track season.

“I think it helps with jumping a lot, jumping frequently,” Martin said. “I think it helps to get the bounce for high jump and it’s nice to get in shape for something like that.”

After earning the title, the bar was moved up to 6 feet, 6 inches for Martin to see how high he could jump.

He couldn’t clear that, but he’ll have another opportunity to accomplish that feat this Saturday at the New England High School Outdoor Track and Field Championships in Saco, Maine.

Martin is hoping that he’ll get to 6 feet, 6 inches at New England’s.

“I think I might be able to get to 6’6” next week,” Martin said.

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