Haleigh Batty Heads to State Eyeing State Title

Allan Hancock College freshman Haleigh Batty has her eyes set on 20 feet headed into the 2018 California Community College Athletic Association (CCCAA) Track and Field State Championships on Saturday at Bakersfield College. The Cabrillo High School graduate will represent the Bulldogs in the women's long jump at the state meet.

Last week, Batty finished second at the Southern California Regional Championships with a jump of 18 feet, 2.25 inches. Moorpark's Paige Johnson won the regional with a season-best jump of 18-7.25.

Headed into the state meet, Batty ranks No. 2 in the state with a top jump of 19 feet, 10.25 inches, which she recorded when she won the Western State Conference title and broke her school record.

Cerritos' Kierra King, who finished fourth at regionals, owns the longest jump in the state with a top mark of 19-10.75. Hartnell's Haley Romero ranks No. 3 in the state at 18-9.75, followed by Modesto's Lauren Cariaso at 18-8. Johnson of Moorpark ranks No. 5 at 18-7.5, followed by Denise Reyes of Siskiyous at 18 feet, 6.5 feet.

The long jump competition begins at 2:45 p.m. on Saturday, May 19. Batty will try to become the first Hancock state champion since Bobbie Patton won the women's shot put title in 2005.