Chico State's Chris Jaeger cleared 2.09 meters (6-feet-10.25) to win the high jump competition at the Chico Distance Carnival and Twilight Invitational Friday night, earning a new personal record and Wildcat of the Week honors in the process.
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The freshman from Hamilton City moved into a tie for sixth on the NCAA Division II outdoor season leaderboard and now leads all CCAA competitors in the event.
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His mark ranks 10th best in Chico State history.
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Jaeger was locked in a tight and highly entertaining battle with teammate Aaron Martin and Lane Community College's Dakarai Hightower under the lights at University Stadium. Fans and athletes surrounded the pit and lined the running lanes as Martin PR'd with a clearance of 1.98 meters (6-feet-6). Hightower and Jaeger were the lone competitors remaining after they both cleared 2.03 meters (6-8).
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That marked a season-best for Jaeger, who got up and over 6-feet-10 during his senior year at Hamilton High School and finished sixth at the California State Championships last year.
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Jaeger raised his personal record on his next attempt and ran around the pit getting high-fives from the ecstatic crowd.
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Jaeger will be back in action Saturday at the Woody Wilson Classic at UC Davis. The high jump is scheduled to get under way at 4 p.m.
