MARIETTA, Ohio — Marietta sophomore Zach Gay (Elyria/Oberlin) relished the fact he had his own cheering section. Before each jump Gay's fans rooted him on as he competed in the High Jump at the NCAA Division III Outdoor Track and Field Championship Saturday (May 23) in Marietta, Ohio.

Gay, who entered the weekend tied for the 10th best jump, earned All-America honors by tying Wilmington freshman Braden McMonigle with a jump of 2.03m (6-08). Gay was close to reaching a personal-best leap of 6-09 on his two final attempts.

"It came down to my form," Gay said. "My last two attempts felt really good, but I just couldn't hold on long enough to get it. But earning All-America status was my goal, so getting in the top 8 is phenomenal."

Competing in his first championships, Gay said the experience was inspiring. "I was really nervous at first, but once I got to the field the nervousness turned into adrenaline. Everything has been great. When people cheered for me it helped me build up adrenaline to try to clear the height. Once they finish it gets quiet and that's when I concentrate."

Clearing the first three heights on the first attempt also calmed his nerves. "The starting height was 6-4 and I know I can get that. Once I get over 6-8 I really focus on my form."

Gay said it would take hard work to move up the ladder nationally.

"I guess I need to train over the summer, get in weight room and work on getting my leg strength up," he said.

He also finds motivation by watching others. "I love to watch people who can jump high. I watch a lot of YouTube videos of people who can clear 7-0 or 7-1. That it inspires me."

To follow Marietta's athletes or any event in the championship go to: http://pioneers.marietta.edu/track/09championships/