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Allen's time has come

The Seven Rivers Christian senior needs extra attempts to capture a state title in the high jump.

By JAMAL THALJI, Times Staff Writer
© St. Petersburg Times
published May 4, 2002

CORAL SPRINGS -- Shawn Allen has waited three years to be crowned a state champion. So what's a few more jumps?

But they were the most grueling jumps of the Seven Rivers Christian star's decorated career. Tied with American Heritage's Rashawn Rembert at 6-feet, 6-inches in the high jump Friday in the state finals at Coral Springs' Jim Caldwell Field, Allen headed into the first jump-off of his career.

He missed four attempts at 6-8. He missed at 6-7. He missed at 6-6. Fortunately, Rembert was missing the same jumps.

"I think I was getting tired," Allen said, "and my right leg felt like it would buckle, like it wouldn't fire, like I couldn't get up in the air."

Finally, at 6-5, Allen said another prayer and leapt into the air, where his perfect technique made up for his tired legs. He barely grazed the bar, landing to the cheers of family and friends.

After two consecutive seasons winning silver, Allen finally earned the gold. "I've never been in a jump-off before," Allen said. "That was the most intense competition I've ever had in my life. I mean, at one point, I was just elated to be able to get over the bar."

After Rembert blew 6-5, the Seven Rivers' fans cheered as Allen crouched on the field, savoring the win. "It's about time," he repeated over and over. "It's about time."

Afterward, he headed to the spectator area for hugs and handshakes with family and friends. "It feels like half of Citrus County is here," Allen said. "But then I'm related to half of Citrus County.

"I feel like I'm blessed. I worked hard for this and (Rembert) made me earn it."

Allen was also ninth in the long jump with a leap of 20-101/2, and just missed medaling by three inches.

Seven Rivers seventh-grader Taylor Cooke was sixth in the 3,200 meters in 12 minutes, 9.14 seconds, making up for a 15th-place finish in the 1,600 (5:57.36).

"I just thought this is your last race until next year," Cooke said, "so I've got to give it your all."

Seven Rivers' boys 4x400 team of Allen, Damian Lyons, Chris Roth and Jesse Woods, was ninth (3:34.36), as was the girls 4x800 team of Cooke, Rachel Ebert, Karissa Gandee and Cassidy Rash. Ebert was 10th in the 800 (2:31.27) and Gandee was 13th (2:33.63). The girls 4x400 team of Rachel Capra, Ebert, Gandee and Rash was 16th (4:33.15).

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