Scottie Vines is not your average high school athlete. The junior from DeBeque High School has been making waves in the track and field world with his incredible high jump performances. He is the defending 1A state champion, the current state leader, and one of the best jumpers in the nation.
How it all started
Vines was introduced to high jumping by his older brother, who also competed in the event. He quickly discovered his natural talent and passion for the sport. He started training with his coach, who helped him improve his technique and confidence.
“I love high jumping because it’s a challenge. You have to overcome your fear and push yourself to the limit. It’s also fun to fly in the air and clear the bar,” Vines said.
His record-breaking feats
Vines has been breaking records left and right since his freshman year. He won the 1A state title in 2022 with a jump of 6 feet 6 inches, which was also a personal best at the time. He improved his mark to 6 feet 8 inches in 2023, and then to 6 feet 10 inches in 2024, which is the current state-leading mark and the 11th best mark in the nation.
He achieved his latest personal best at the Frank Woodburn Invitational on April 9, 2024, where he also broke the meet record that he set last year. He attempted to clear 7 feet, but narrowly missed on all three tries. He said he is confident that he will reach that milestone soon.
“My goal is to jump 7 feet before the end of the season. I think I can do it. I just need to work on my speed and timing. I also want to defend my state title and qualify for the national championships,” Vines said.
His future plans
Vines is not only a star athlete, but also a stellar student. He has a 4.0 GPA and is interested in pursuing a career in engineering or medicine. He said he has received several offers from colleges, but has not decided where he wants to go yet.
“I’m looking for a school that has a good academic and athletic program. I want to continue high jumping in college and maybe beyond. I also want to make a positive impact on the world with my skills and knowledge,” Vines said.
Vines is an inspiration to many, especially to his teammates and classmates. He is humble, hardworking, and determined to achieve his goals. He is a true example of what it means to soar high.
