By Ken Hansard
When players say they’re setting lofty goals, they’re usually speaking figuratively. Southeast of Saline senior high jumper and triple-jumper Tate Nurnberg’s “lofty goal” is quite literal, “I want to break the 3A state records for both events. They’re both within reach. I want to break the school high jump record, which is 6’9”. But in my mind, the real goal is seven feet.”
For most, those goals might seem unbelievable, but Nurnberg ‘s history says otherwise. Nurnberg has already surpassed his brother’s school record in the triple-jump. He won state in both events last spring, and his off-season training suggests this could be a breakout season, even for him, “I’m excited to see how that training translates in competition. I’ve been on a new jump program since June, so I’ve seen more progress in my strength and vertical this offseason than any other.”
Tate has faced a slate of nagging injuries, the latest a knee issue from overuse. However, he feels it is inconsequential, “I might miss a few early meets, but I’ll be 100% for state. I’m not worried about it. I could lose both my legs, and I’ll still make sure I make a full recovery and get back to jumping. I just need to perform when the day comes.”
Track is mostly an individual sport, but Nurnberg embraces the role he can play for his team, “Just like I had my role models, I want to be a good role model and instill discipline at practices and meets. My freshmen year the boys track team won state. I went to state, but I didn’t get any points, so I don’t count that for myself. That’s more drive for me to win state this year, so I can actually be a part of the team effort.”
Nurnberg, who plans to continue jumping collegiately, finished on this note, “The high jump record is over 40 years old, so I think I need to give that an update.”
