NTL TRACK & FIELD: TOWANDA CELEBRATES BENNETT'S HIGH JUMP STATE TITLE (2021-06-01)

BY CHRIS MANNING
Northern Tier Sports Report
TOWANDA — It’s the day after tomorrow for Towanda’s Porschia Bennett, but it doesn’t feel that way to her.

Her high school celebrated her PIAA, Class AA Track and Field High Jump title from last Friday on Tuesday with a walk through with all the bells and whistles - or in her case, a drum line - but it still hasn’t sunk in for the junior.

“It’s still new,” she said. “It’s still crazy to think about.”

Her winning height of 5-feet, 7-inches was something she hit in the first dual meet of the season against Athens - setting a new school record in the process - so she knew right from the start of the season that it could be special.

However, she didn’t let her mind think towards state title until later in the year.

“At districts I knew Charlize (Slusser), and I knew there was a lot better competition,” explained Bennett. “At states, that’s when it started. “When I got to states, the last couple of jumps I felt it.”

Bennett, and Slusser not only went 1-2 in Class AA, they also went 1-2 in the state, as the top jump for Class AAA was 5-feet, 5-inches. That means Bennett had the highest mark in the entire state - big and small schools.

“It’s crazy,” was all she could say about that.

While the feeling of being a state champion has yet to sink, that hasn’t stopped Bennett from setting her sights on next season, and getting that elusive 5-feet, 8-inch mark.

“I’m going to work on getting some leg muscles,” she explained. “(I’m) keeping my run the same, but working on my form, too.”

At the higher heights her legs sometimes get in the way, so that will be the first thing they work.

“Just work on my leg muscles, just to try to see if I can jump higher,” explained Bennett. “And just work on my form, and get my legs in.”

If she jumps any higher, and repeats as a state champion, she might need a red cape for next year’s walk through.

CUTLINE: Towanda’s Porschia Bennett (center), walks with coaches Barbi Elliott (left), and Mark Vail (right) during a walk-through at her high school to celebrate her state title…PHOTOS BY CHRIS MANNING.