WINSTON-SALEM — Two sophomore jumpers represented Richmond Senior High School at the state level last week.
Keonta Pegues and Ka’mora Watkins were Richmond’s sole state qualifiers and competed in the North Carolina High School Athletic Association’s 4A indoor track and field state championship meet.
It was the first time either jumper qualified for the state tournament, which was held at the JDL Fast Track on Feb. 9.
Watkins was the first to qualify for her event, the high jump, during a regular-season meet at Pinecrest High School on Dec. 9. She cleared the bar at 5 feet, 0 inches to secure her spot, which was a new personal record.
Pegues, who started long jumping this season, locked in his spot with a personal-record distance of 21 feet, 10 inches. That came in the Raiders’ final team meet of the season at Pinecrest on Jan. 27.
Spending the past few weeks gearing up for the 4A state championship, both Pegues and Watkins remained competitive in their respective event.
Adding another special element to the state championship, the two Richmond jumpers are also cousins.
Pegues lands in top 10 of long jump
In a field of 15 long jumpers, Pegues finished in the higher half of the event. He placed seventh overall with a final mark of 21 feet, 5.25 inches.
Winning the event was William Leak of Hoke County High School, who jumped to 22 feet, 10 inches. Just ahead of Pegues in sixth place was Jacori Covington (Garner High School), who had a distance of 25 feet, 6 inches.
“It felt good going to states because it’s just my sophomore year and my first year long jumping,” Pegues said. “I was glad to be able to compete at a high level and get better. I enjoyed making new friends and learning new techniques. I’m happy with seventh, but look forward to doing better.”
“This spring I hope to get my mark right and jump consistently,” he continued. “It was crazy to have Ka’mora there since we’re cousins. Being there with her really made my ego get bigger and made me want to do my best.”
Watkins nears PR mark in high jump
Watkins was one of over 20 high jumpers to compete and she nearly tied her career-high mark. She cleared the bar at 4 feet, 10 inches, one of eight jumpers to record that height. Watkins officially placed 21st in the state.
At the top of the field were winner Kirstin Smalls (Panther Creek High School) and runner-up Audrey Jenkins (Grimsley High School), who both made a jump at 5 feet, 6 inches.
“It was an amazing experience because I got to see what states is like,” Watkins shared. “And I was able to recover from my (shoulder) injury and compete. I’m pleased with my progress.
“I did well with keeping my self calm and getting myself over the bar,” she added. “I want to fix my form (this spring) so I can clear bigger heights. It’s special to share this memory with (Keonta) because we’ve always been athletic and played sports growing up. It’s cool to have this be a family thing.”
Both Pegues and Watkins were back on the track Wednesday, as the first day of spring track and field tryouts were held at Raider Stadium.
