Plano East junior Toddrick Allen admits he got serious about the high jump only a year ago. In that respect, he's come a long way in a short period of time. Allen will be making his first trip to the state meet after finishing second at the 5A Region II meet.

"I've had coaches telling me since the eighth grade that I should try it [the high jump], that I had the body for it," said Allen (6-0, 160). "I messed around with it some but really didn't get serious about it until my sophomore year."

Allen, who is also a wide receiver on the Plano East football team, has been consistently clearing 6-8 this season. His combination of flexibility and speed has allowed him to excel in the event.

"It's really all about form," he said. "I've got a longer run-up than most. I just try to keep my steps consistent, get a good burst going and let my form take over."

Allen knows he probably needs to equal or surpass his personal best – 6-10, which he cleared at his district meet – to be a major factor at state, but he says he's up to the challenge.

"The high jump is a lot of fun," Allen said. "I love it. My goal this year is to win state. I'm just going to go out and compete and see what I can do."

C. Anthony Mosser