The Highest Jumper: JHS Senior Sets New Record

Chase Hunter is one Falcon who’s soaring to new heights.

On January 16, Hunter cleared 7’2” at a meet in Virginia, establishing a new indoor state record for high school high jumpers in North Carolina, eclipsing the previous mark of 7’1” in 2022. “I’ve been stuck at 7-1 since the last outdoor season,” Hunter said after breaking the record. “To get a new PR (personal record) is the best feeling ever.” 

See the video of his record-breaking jump here.

Chase started high jumping in his freshman year of high school, and since then, he has won six conference championships, three regional championships, three state podium finishes, and an Adidas National Championship. Asking Chase what he’s done to become so good, he said, “I’ve just devoted a lot of time to perfecting the little things…always looking for that number one spot.”

Chase Hunter clearing the bar in high jump

Fellow high jumper Tyshaun Couch told us, “Having Chase as a teammate is a big help, he’s able to correct my form, helping me improve every day.”

Chase’s coach, Coach Carter, was asked about his chances of winning states. He said, “Chase has a really good chance to win states. He needs to go out there and do his thing, and he’ll come home a champion.”

Hunter, who will be jumping for the University of South Carolina next year, said one of his immediate goals is to win that outdoor state title and to beat the 7’3.25” state record which has stood for 16 years.