Posted: 7:29 PM Apr 24, 2012
Reporter: Kevin Faigle

Tuesday April 24, 2012

Augusta, Ga--The spring sports seasons are starting to wind down, not only on the high school front, but college as well. For some Paine College athletes, they still have a while to go having qualified for the division two NCAA national track and field meet.

Baiesha Johnson and victoria Claytor are mutli sport athletes that really excell at the high jump. This past weekend the duo went 1-2 in the SIAC meet with Johnson winning and having already qualifed for the nationals. They've done this while truly learning how to do the high jump. They've relied on a lot of god given talent and that only gets you so far. With former olympian Natasha Clark now running the program, they are focusing on the details.

"The footwork and not getting too close to the mat and the bar to knock it down" said Baiesha Johnson "And actually, being able to lift my hips up and get over it."

"It's easier said then done because you think of so many things while you are in the air that sometimes that just slips your mind" added Victoria Clatyor

Last year Baiesha went to nationals in both the long jump where she finished third, and the high jump where she finished seventh. Her personal best of 5-9 and some change and that could win her a title.

"I think it's realistic" said coach Natasha Clark "Any athlete that is putting forth the effort and also wants it really bad and is willing to do what they have to do to get there to get it. It's obtainable and she wants it and yes she can get anything she sets her mind to and she's working towards that and the reality is she is working towards that"

Baiesha readily admits she doesn't really invision her jumps beforehand like most, it's just instinctive. With her getting a better technique down, there's little doubt she'll be soaring to new heights. This year's nationals are in Colorado.

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