It is an understatement to say that OH junior track and field athlete Jeremiah Cain has had an incredibly impressive season so far. From winning OH’s Athlete of the Month to long-held school records, Cain is gaining the attention of colleges as he works through the outdoor season.
“So far this year, I have broken the school’s indoor high jump record by jumping 6′ 6″ [[…]] also my personal best indoor high jump,” Cain said. “I [also set] the new [outdoor] record at Plainfield East High School.”
The records Cain broke this spring have been in place for decades. According to the OH Athletic Office records, the indoor high jump record was previously held by OH graduates Aaron Powers (’14) and Nick Janca (’17) at the same height: 6′ 4″. Although Cain has a few more inches to gain in the OH outdoor high jump record (’80 graduate Greg Stickney at 6′ 11″), Cain has broken the outdoor high jump record at Plainfield East High School (PEHS).
Oh April 9, Cain broke the PEHS high jump record when he jumped 6′ 7″ on their outdoor field. Audience members from both schools celebrated Cain’s accomplishment as it was announced from the PEHS sportscasters’ booth during the meet.
Although he has been incredibly successful in track, he uses the training to stay in shape during the football off season. With the help of varsity track and field head coach Jeffery Edwards, Cain committed to the team.
“Coach Edwards played a big role in me joining track,” said Cain. “[He] told me all about the benefits I would have not only in track but with football, too.”
Cain had high hopes as he joined the team, hoping he could improve for the football season. However, he became not only an athlete but also someone that his teammates looked up to.
“Jeremiah, as a multi-sport athlete, is a great role model to those athletes who are maybe afraid to try other sports, as well as showing how to be a good student and a three-sport athlete at a high level,” Edwards said.
Cain has been incredibly successful, but that does not stop him from pushing forward to overcome areas for growth.
“I would say one of my struggles would be staying consistent due to an abundance of things going on at home and a lot of pressure with school work and getting recruited for football,” said Cain. “But through it all, just having a good relationship with my teachers and my sports coaching staff really helps.”
The boys varsity track and field team competes next in the IHSA Sectionals on Wed., May 15.
I am Nicole Gartner a senior now at OH, this is my second year on our 42Fifty team. This year I have taken a role in managing our social media and keeping our content updated! Outside of school I work at Floods Royal Flush as a receptionist and also love to explore nature and the city with my friends.
