Clarion Comets’ Hayden Smith Wins High Jump at Adidas Indoor National Track and Field Championship

Photos by Matt Lerch – Above: Hayden proudly displaying his First Place Award.

(By MAtt Lerch)

The Pennsylvania State AA High Jump Champion, Hayden Smith, has added another feather to his cap. On Saturday, March 16th he became the National Champion in the High Jump at Adidas Indoor National Track and Field Championship held at Virginia Beach, Virginia. Smith could have attended the meet unattached, however he decided to represent his Clarion Comets Indoor Track and Field Team with Tammy Lerch as his coach.

Hayden won the event with a jump of 6’ 7.75, far below his personal record of 6’11” achieved, on Sunday, February 25th, at the Pennsylvania Track and Field Coaches Association’s Indoor Track and Field Championships at Penn State University .

Hayden is ranked 5th in the nation for indoor high jumping during the 2023-2024 indoor track and field season. One of the top competitors who he anticipated jumping against did not make the event. Hayden, who thrives on competition said, “I was disappointed when the 6’11” jumper didn’t show up”. After winning the event he chose to break his own record by setting the bar at 6’11.75. After three missed attempts the meet was over.

Hayden continued, “within seconds I reevaluated my next goal for the competition since I had already won the meet and I chose to go for my PR.” Hayden went on to say “ I know I can do it, everything just has to come together. I think my goal of 7’ is reachable.”

(Congratulations to Hayden and the Comets on this great achievement!!!! Thanks to Matt Lerch for this article and photos!!)