Bohnsack preserves Central's strong tradition in the high jump

Over the years, Central has raised the bar on expectations for the high jump.

The school produced boys state champions Jay Meystedt and Travis Clark in the event. The girls recently had notables like Courtney Haman and Marissa Uzoaru, both competing in college now.

The latest to eye the bar of excellence is senior Lainie Bohnsack.

"Lanie is another part of a nice long lineage of high jumpers we've been blessed with at Central," Tigers coach Lawrence Brookins said.

In Bohnsack's case, the lineage has been self-perpetuating.

When she was in sixth and seventh grade, she attended her older sister Myka's track meets and watched Meystedt in the high jump.

"I always watched the high jump just because it looked really fun," Bohnsack said. "It was the most interesting thing to watch."

It has become increasingly interesting for those now watching the slender 5-foot-10 jumper.

Bohnsack established herself last year as one of the state's top jumpers when she placed third at the state meet, clearing 5 feet, 4 inches.

Hampered by weather this season, Bohnsack and her teammates will look to build on a short 2002 resume today at the Jackson Invitational.

Bohnsack has won two of her three competitions this year, but her top jump is just 5 feet.

Mother Nature has played havoc with an event that requires precision. Like most athletes in the area, her outdoor practice time has been limited due to rain and cold weather. Cold, windy conditions have also prevailed at the meets.

"Timing and form have to be perfect," Bohnsack said. "It's so technical. Everything has to be just right for it to work."

Bohnsack said she is confident that her performances will increase with better weather and more practice, much like last year when she made her first appearance at the state meet.

She's still taken aback by her third-place finish.

"I was just trying to get in the top eight, period," she said. "I was pretty intimidated by all the other jumpers."

She accomplished that last year despite the onset of ongoing knee ligament problems. After running cross country for three years, Bohnsack sat out this year to rest her knee. Another concession has been scrapping the triple jump and much of her 1,600 and 3,200 relay running.

This spring, she also has to tailor her practice and training to give the knee as much rest as possible. She tries to prepare herself by riding bikes and swimming, lessening the wear on her knee.

"There are a lot of simple little drills that look monotonous to most people but they really do help you improve, and she doesn't mind doing them," Brookins said.

While weather and joints have been working against Bohnsack, natural attributes of long legs and a lean frame are in her corner.

Brookins said both are ideal for the high jump and give her potential a high ceiling. College coaches have also taken note of her attributes.

"If she gets totally healthy, I don't think a 5-8 jump would be totally out of the question," Brookins said.

jbreer@semissourian.com

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