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Rebel qualifies in three events again

BROOKSVILLE -- Kevin Marion has felt the pressure for two years, ever since he was the only freshman in any classification to qualify for the state meet in three events.

Friday, he put aside others' expectations and exceeded even his own.

The Dixie Hollins junior won the long jump and 200 meters and placed fourth in the 100, qualifying for state in all three events at Central.

Marion's winning leap of 25 feet in the long jump is the best in the nation this season, according to USA Today. His 200 time of 21.06 seconds is second only to Melbourne Palm Bay's Xavier Carter (21.02).

Marion's longtime friend, Dermillo Wise of Lakewood, recorded the nation's third-best long jump of 24-10.

"I had to just go out there and just do what I've got to do and perform to my ability," Marion said.

Marion defended his region title in the 200. He won the long jump for the first time.

He first made his mark as a freshman, when he advanced to state in the 100, 200 and long jump. He qualified in all three events again last season, placing fourth in the state in the 200 and fifth in the long jump.

Marion averaged 23-6 in the long jump last season and set a Disney Showcase record of 24-21/2 this year. He hoped to jump 25-0 this season, a goal he reached Thursday.

He completed the 100 in 10.60.

"He's just scratched the surface of his ability," Dixie Hollins assistant Chris Harmon said.

Boca Ciega's Roberto Rodriguez won the high jump, and its 1,600 relay team placed first as the Pirates edged Blake for the boys team title 51-50. Seminole, behind Derek Pakus' victory in pole vault, finished fourth.

Devon Rich won the 100, but it wasn't enough for Seminole (70.83 points) to overtake Tampa Bay Tech (74.33) for the girls team title.

Largo had a pair of double winners in Arsinio Corbin (boys 110 and 300 hurdles) and Monica Adams (girls 100 and 300 hurdles).

Other winners were Russell Tyson Jr. (shot put) of Northeast, Katherine Chapman (discus) of Tarpon Springs, Nadia Covington (triple jump) of Lakewood, Danielle Shimer (800) of Land O'Lakes and Melissa Moukawsher (long jump) of East Lake also won individual events.

The top four individuals and relay teams in each event advanced to the state meet May 10 at Coral Springs High.

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