JSerra's Steed simply set his sights higher

If ambition is the driving force behind success, then it seemed only natural that JSerra sophomore high jumper Harrison Steed was ascending to the top of the podium at Cerritos College to receive his first-place medal at the CIF State Track and Field Championships.

Throughout the season, Steed displayed the skill and motivation to consistently scale seemingly unreachable heights, while continually raising the level of his own expectations higher and higher.

For his inspiring performance, unyielding determination and relentless pursuit of excellence, Steed has earned the award as the Register's boys track and field Athlete of the Year.

As a freshman last season, Steed introduced himself to the county's track and field world by winning at San Clemente's Triton Invitational with a clearance of 6-6.

Entering this year, Steed acknowledged that while he had envisioned achieving great success, he wasn't quite convinced that he was state championship material.

However, after opening his season by clearing 6-10 to win the high jump competition at the Irvine Invitational, Steed returned to the Triton Invitational and gave a performance that left many in the crowd breathless.

On his third and final attempt at 7 feet, Steed sprinted up to the bar and soared high over it, drawing a huge roar of approval from the crowd.

With that clearance, Steed became only the sixth jumper in county history to successfully clear the 7-foot barrier.

In the CIF-SS Division IV finals, Steed won the title by once again clearing 7 feet. After qualifying for the state meet at the Master's, he took full advantage of his opportunity to win on the season's biggest stage.

With the bar sitting at 7-1, Steed launched himself gracefully over it, receiving a rousing ovation from the 10,712 in attendance. His clearance tied him for the fifth best mark in the United States this season.

“I didn't even realize what happened until I was standing on the podium,” he said.

Contact the writer: jeichelberger@ocregister.com