Licking Heights’ Fillmore wins state championships in long jump, 200

COLUMBUS — D.J. Fillmore always wants more, but even the Licking Heights senior had to smile about his opening attempt on Saturday.

Fillmore leaped a personal-best 25-feet-0.25, a mark which easily stood up, to repeat as champion in the long jump during Division I state championships at Ohio State. He was never threatened by runner-up Richmond Honkpo, of Franklin Heights, who jumped 23-6.25.

“It surprised me, but it didn’t surprise me too much because I knew I could do 25,” Fillmore said.

Fillmore had not been able to eclipse last year’s championship distance of 24-11 until Saturday. He held the Jesse Owens Stadium record until Friday when Keystone’s Ryne Shackleford jumped 25-6.5.

“I feel like if I didn’t have those scratches, I could have gotten him,” said Fillmore, who will be competing at Ohio State next season. “I still have college.”

Fillmore bookended his day with another state championship, running a time of 20.80 to win the 200. He finished nearly a half-second ahead of the field.

Fillmore, who officially broke the stadium record after his preliminary time of 20.71 was ruled wind-aided, placed fifth in the event in 2022. He beat Pickerington Central’s Troy Lane, the defending state champion, on Saturday.

“I knew I could get to that level,” Fillmore said. “I just had to work super hard in the offseason. It all paid off.”

The only cloud on Heights’ performance was in the 400 relay when an injury during the race did not allow the Hornets to make a run at the title. Fillmore, sophomores Jalynn Fillmore and Similoluwa Jaf-ogunlayi and freshman Samolu Cooper finished ninth (45.57).

Sophomore Alex Amartey finished 16th in the discus (145-9).

ksnyder@newarkadvocate.com

740-973-4541

Twitter: @newark_sports