Posted by Mike Kilroy GREENSBORO, N.C. (EYT/D9) , Hayden Smith is a national champion.
The Rimersburg native and incoming junior at Union High School cleared 6 feet, 10.75 inches to place first at the AAU Junior Olympic Games Wednesday afternoon.
Smith, who won a PIAA title in the event in May, bested a field of 80 jumpers from across the nation.
Herman Batiste of Jackson, La., was second at 6-8.75. window.zone_load_1708327767=function(z,d){console.log('loaded zone',z,d);if(!d.count)document.getElementById('zone_load_1708327767').style.display='none';}; Smith qualified for the AAU Junior Olympic Games by clearing 6-10 at a qualifier in Charleston, W.Va. in June.