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Zillman flies the highest
Fairfield sophomore grabs Class 3A high jump title
DES MOINES — The bright lights came bright and early for a pair of Fairfield high jumpers on Thursday morning, and one leaper shined the brightest of the whole bunch.
Trojan sophomore Eli Zillman not only broke his personal record at the blue oval, but out-jumped every Class 3A athlete by clearing 6 feet, 9 inches to earn a state title.
“Eli was especially locked in, even as early as last night,” said Fairfield head coach Brian Dunlap. “He went to bed early. He left dinner early. He was ready to be rested and ready to go.”
Zillman out-lept Wanding Hosnyang of Le Mars and Eli Patterson of Benton, both of which tied for second at 6-07. Derek Weisskopf of Williamsburg and Kenden Bowie of Fort Madison cleared 6-07 as well.
“The crowd helped a lot, just knowing that there's people there,” said Zillman. “I had to pick up my speed quite a bit, and then just pray and hope for the best.”
Zillman and junior teammate Ryan Giberson have went back and forth all year as two of the best jumpers in Southeast Iowa. Giberson finished seventh place, clearing 6-03, to give the Trojans 12 points in one event.
“It feels pretty good,” Zillman said. “There's obviously a lot of talented people who show up at the state meet. Seeing that we can score that much in just one event is great.”
The 12 points earned by Fairfield’s dynamic duo puts Fairfield in fifth place heading into Friday’s action.
“They've been really important, and really consistent,” Dunlap said. “Since they've arrived, they've been outstanding in the high jump.”
