One of the state's top track and field athletes continues to demonstrate a steady improvement of his skills. Del'Mario Hairston leaped 24-5.5 to win the long jump competition at last month's Strongsville AAU Youth Invitational, which took place at Strongsville High School. His result represents an Ohio No. 1 and a US No. 13 for the 2018 outdoor season. This effort eclipses his previous best jump of 23-8.75, which he achieved in 2017.
Hairston, who was competing as an unattached athlete, is a rising senior at Lake Catholic who has enjoyed an outstanding career to this point. He was the 2017 New Balanace Nationals Indoor (Emerging Elite Division) Champion, the 2018 DI Indoor State Champion and the third place finisher at the 2017 DI Outdoor State Championship. While all of the aforementioned accomplishments took place in the long jump, he also excels in the 60m, 100m, 200m and 400m events. Hairston showed that he's fully recovered from a lingering hamstring injury which kept him out of 2018 outdoor postseason competition.
MileSplit tracked down Lake Catholic coach, Erik Schroeder for further insight on Del'Mario:
The Lake Catholic track community is extremely proud of Del'Mario for setting a long jump pr of 24-5.5 in AAU competition last month. Unfortunately, a hamstring injury prevented him from competing in the OHSAA postseason this year, but he worked hard through the spring and summer to get healthy and has clearly made a full recovery. I can't wait to see what he accomplishes as a senior.
MileSplit reached Del'Mario to inquire about what his goals are for his senior year:
The first goal for my senior year is to decide which college I'd like to attend, as my education is the top priority. Once settled with my decision, I hope to jump 26 feet which would be a state record. This is something that me and my coaches believe is possible due to my explosiveness and speed on the runway. It's all a matter of focus. Class of 2019 - let's get it!
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