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Schools

Megan Kirschling Breaks High Jump Record; Samantha Budd Wins 800

Kirschling leaped 5-10.5 to win the title, while Budd broke her own record to claim a state title.

After clinching a high jump title by clearing five feet, eight inches at the NJSIAA Group 2 Championships, Megan Kirschling decided to see if she could outdo herself and break a meet record in the process. The senior had the bar raised to 5-10.5. Attempt No. 1 failed, as did attempt No. 2.

Attempt No. 3 brought with it history.

Kirschling cleared the height, breaking the Group 2 record of 5-10, held by two people.

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She could have gone after the state record—which stands at 5-11 and has held since 1983—but opted to challenge herself at 6-0, and nearly pulled it off.

“On her first attempt, she came as close as you can come without clearing the height,” West Deptford coach Mark Drummond said.

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The Eagles’ coach said that Kirschling has become so consistent that her practice time in the event has actually gone down.

“The funny thing is lately we haven’t practiced too much,” Drummond said. “All of her jumps in practice have been on, so we haven’t had to do too much repetition.”

Kirschling also earned a spot at Thursday's Meet of Champions by placing fourth in the 100 hurdles.

Samantha Budd will be there as well after bringing home a state title, claiming the 800. Budd—who was on Friday—finished in 2:14.78. The time was her personal best and broke her own school record.

Budd stayed on the heels of Rumson-Fair Haven’s Shannon McCarthy for much of the race, then used her trademark kick over the final 150 yards to pass McCarthy.

“Sam won the 800 in a perfect race,” Drummond said. “It went as we figured it would beforehand. She just stayed cool, rode the girl’s shoulder and coming around the turn, she kicked it in.”

Claudia Theriault finished in a tie for sixth in the pole vault, and on the boys' side, the 4x400 team narrowly missed out on a spot in the Meet of Champions, finishing just two seconds out of the top six.

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