It was sixth grade when Chase Riley realized…he can jump!
By seventh grade he was setting Howell County Middle School high jump records, but it was his first meet as a freshman in high school that it became apparent he had a very bright future on the track.
“Coach said if you can jump 6’2” I’ll buy you a steak dinner,” said Riley. “I can jump 6’2”, but I went out and jumped 6’4” and earned candy stripes in my very first meet.”
Steak dinner in his belly and already meeting the Zizzer’s “candy stripe” standards, the highly coveted honor for track athletes who excel in a specific event, Riley turned his focus to the intricate sport of high jump.
Riley finished 12th at state that year. He was up to third by his sophomore year, and by his junior year, despite rainy conditions, he jumped 6’7” to capture the Class 4 high jump title, helping the Zizzers to a 2nd place team finish.
“He’s unique in that he’s willing to do anything you ask him,” said boys coach Greg Dixon. “He’s helping us on our 4×100 and 4×400 teams when a lot of elite athletes at one event will just focus on that.”
Earlier this month Riley set a new school record with a jump of 7’ at the SBU Relays. Last week at districts he topped that mark with a state-best jump this year of 7’1”.
“We had a discussion that we already cleared 7” this year, so let’s make it up to 7’1” and he just made it look easy.”
Riley nearly cleared 7’2” and believes he can go even higher at sectionals this Saturday in Bolivar or at state next weekend in Jefferson City.
“I’m going for 7’3” at state for sure,” said Riley. “I’d like to tie the state record.”
Riley, also a standout basketball player, already has division-1 offers from Arkansas State (where his sister attends), Missouri and Iowa, but if he clears 7’3” expect every school in the country to give him a call.
“Any college coaches out there watching this I’d say give him a call because he’s definitely out there and still available,” said Dixon.
