Devion Tensley West Valley Year: Senior Sport: Track Events: Long Jump, Triple Jump

Devion Tensley went 43 feet, 10 inches in the triple jump to place third at state last spring.

During the indoor season he upped his personal best to 44-11.

But the West Valley senior never jumped 45 feet. He jumped right over it.

Last Saturday in Clarkston, Tensley went 46-4, one inch short of the school record. He also went 22-7 in the long jump, which is just a quarter-inch short of his best.

“It didn’t feel like 46 at first,” said Tensley of his amazing first jump. “In the finishing phase my leg was not high enough. When they said it was 46-5, it kind of shocked me.”

Tensley has placed at state twice in the long jump, once in the triple jump. However, his triple jump is better than any mark a returning competitor had last year and he’s less than an inch behind in the long jump.

He will also do some sprinting for the Frontier League favorite Eagles.

One reason Tensley got off to such a quick start was the indoor season. He competed in four meets, which gave him an edge to open the outdoor season.

“His speed is so much better, he’s quicker and stronger,” coach Jim McLaughlin said. “I don’t think we’ve seen the end of what he can do.”

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