Joey Ruddell high jumped his height. Before the season was cut short due to coronavirus concerns, the 6’11” Morro Bay high jumper’s mark of 6’11” led the nation.
After a 5th place finish at state in 2019, Ruddell had his eyes on the sky for his senior year.
"I'd say in the back of my mind, it's 7'4" because that's the Olympic qualifying mark. It would be pretty cool to qualify," Ruddell said.
His jump of 6’11” topped his school record. Ruddell attributes his success to hitting the weight room with the basketball team.
"I think it's the training. I didn't feel like I was going to PR,” Ruddell said. “Previous years, we never lifted, so this has definitely helped my strength."
Ruddell will jump for the University of Idaho. Greg Wilson, a coach on the Morro Bay track and field team, thinks the Vandals will be getting a good one.
"He's very humble. Joey is very easy to coach,” Wilson said. “He knows what he needs to do."
