Helton, Stamm move on to state finals

Grant Stamm of Linton-Stockton qualified for the state finals in the 110 meter high hurdles and 300 low hurdles Thursday night, by placing third in the top three in both events at the Bloomington North track and field regional Thursday night. Stamm will compete on Saturday, June 2 at Indiana University in Bloomington. (By Shad Cox).

BLOOMINGTON -- Going to the state finals in track and field was a goal for Kent Helton the entire season.

But he didn it anticipate the road that would take him to the Indiana University track and field June 2.

The Linton-Stockton High School senior jumped 21 feet, 7 3/4 inches to capture the Bloomington North Regional long jump competition Thursday night.

Kent Helton of Linton-Stockton is shown landing during one of his attempts during the long jump at the Bloomington North track and field regional Thursday night. Helton took first place to qualify for the state finals on Saturday, June 2 at IU in Bloomington. (By Shad Cox).

Helton tweaked his right hamstring in the Greene County meet to close the regular season, and wasn't sure if he'd get to participate in the sectional. Before the injury he was a threat to advance to the regional in the 100- and 200-meter dashes and the long jump.

His injury only allowed him to take part in the long jump, and he won that to advance to the regional.

"It was more motivation for me, only being able to do the one event,"  Helton said after his victory Thursday. "Going into the sectional I thought I'd be moving on in three or four events. It came down to one event, and it put more pressure on me to try for that. 

Helton will be joined at the state finals by teammate Grant Stamm. The sophomore finished third in the 110 high hurdles in 15.48 seconds, and was third in the 300 intermediate hurdles in 40.95.

Three other area athletes participated but didn't advance. Zach Davidson cleared 10-6 in the pole vault, and was 12th. Jeb Batchelor of Shakamak cleared 5-10 in the high jump and tied for 13th, and Robert Buka of Bloomfield ran the 800 in 2:08.65 and finished 11th.

Helton's jump in the finals was his career best, and he was motivated when another jumper was in first at one point in the competition.

"I've never really had anyone in front of me," Helton said. "That really pushed me." 

Linton-Stockton coach Aaron Lynn agreed.

"The pressure was on him, and he stepped up,"  Lynn said.

"To come back from a hamstring injury and it's just amazing and not only to complete, but to be regional champion, that's great. He is my first regional champion, and to do it here is impressive. 

Stamm said a quick start in the 110 hurdles helped him advance.

"It feels great. Hard work pays off,"  the sophomore said.

"I used my strength and tried to get off the blocks quick and get a lead. I hit a couple of hurdles in the middle and lost the lead. 

Stamm's strategy in the 300 hurdles was to get off to a good start and be strong at the end.

"I wanted to have enough energy at the end and it worked out,"  he said. "That second 100 I started picking up speed. 

Lynn was impressed with both athletes.

"I can't say enough about those two kids. They put in the time and the effort," Lynn stressed. "Those two kids, their overall athletic ability is outstanding. For where we live, our area, to come over here and do this is impressive. 

Helton will graduate this Saturday and then participate in the state finals a week later. It's a bittersweet time for the state finalist.

"This means a lot to me," Helton said of going to the state finals following his injury. "It's kind of sad at the same time because it's all coming to an end. But that's more motivation for me. 

The state finals start at 3 p.m.

Linton finished 12th as a team with 22 points. There were 38 teams in the field.