For the Daily Reporter
BLOOMINGTON — Braden Brown improved on his seed, but fell just a few inches short of ending up on the medals podium at Saturday’s Boys Track and Field State Finals.
The Greenfield-Central senior leaped 22 feet, 3 ¾ inches to finish 11th in the long jump. That was just 3 ¾ inches out of the ninth and final medal-winning place.
Another Cougars athlete, junior Adam Lee, tied for 16th in the pole vault at 14-0.
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“Before this and before regional, I had a rough string of vaults, so it was nice to get back up there,” Lee said. “I have a lot to look forward to going into this summer and next track season.”
Lee had finished seventh at the indoor state meet. He was making his first appearance in the outdoor state finals.
Saturday, Lee entered the competition at 13-0 and made that on his second attempt. He cleared 13-6 and 14-0 on his third tries before missing his three allotted attempts at 14-6.
“I just kind of ran out of pole,” Lee said. “I think it just eventually got into my head.”
Meanwhile, New Palestine senior Gavin Hausz finished 19th in the high jump at 6-4. He made 6-2 on his first attempt and 6-4 on his third try before going out at 6-6.
“I definitely wasn’t satisfied with 6-4,” Hausz said. “I really wanted to get 6-6 because it seems like a spot that would place this year.”
Hausz, who will attend Indiana University, may walk onto the track team. He won sectional and regional titles in the high jump this season.
“I’m really happy with the season I had this year,” Hausz said. “A few months ago, I wasn’t sure I’d be making it to this meet. So I’m definitely happy to be here.”
Also for the Dragons, junior Drew Austin finished 22nd in the 1,600 in 4:28.99.
