Raising the bar: Valentine high jumpers leap into state spotlight

VALENTINE, Neb. - The top Nebraska track and field athletes will compete for gold this week at the state track and field meet. That’s includes Valentine High School junior Isaac Cronin. The 6-foot-5 athlete has cleared 6 feet, 10 inches in the high jump this season, the best in his class statewide and tied for the top mark across all Nebraska high school divisions. Now, he’s aiming even higher.

“My goal is 7 feet and a state championship,” Cronin said.

But this journey to the state track and field meet isn’t a solo flight. His close friend and teammate, senior Andon Olson, is also heading to Omaha after qualifying with a 6-foot-1 jump at the district meet—cleared on his final attempt.

“Watching Andon get his 6-foot-1 jump—you could see it in his face when he hit the mat,” said Valentine High Jump Coach Danielle Arganbright.

This is only Olson’s second season in high jump, a sport he says connects to his first athletic love: basketball.

“I just like jumping. The coach always says to imagine a hoop over there. I love basketball, so it kind of relates,” Olson said.

Olson and Cronin grew closer during basketball season and now share the runway and the pressure of competing at the state level.

“It’s going to be great to have him down there with me,” Cronin said.

Arganbright says both athletes represent a standout season for Valentine track and field. The team is sending 12 athletes to the state meet.

“When you’re jumping a bar that’s higher than your head, it’s tough,” said Arganbright. “That’s one of the things we have to fight for high jumpers—is being mentally tough.”

That mindset is exactly what Cronin is jumping for as he prepares to soar under pressure.

“I like to think of nervousness as excitement,” he said. “So I’m pretty excited for this Friday and Saturday.”

The NSAA State Track and Field Championships begin Wednesday at Omaha Burke Stadium. News Channel Nebraska will be televising the Finals on Thursday and Saturday.