The only student still competing in a sporting event at West Shore this season, junior Christian Walker, will be traveling to Jacksonville on Friday for the state track meet to be held at the University of North Florida.

“It’s my first year on the track team so I was not expected to be going to states,” Walker said. “It is really exciting.”

Walker will be competing as an underdog in the triple-jump event on Friday, but that status didn’t seem to stop him in earlier district and regional competition.

After only practicing the event two weeks prior, Walker placed second in the triple jump during the district meet on April 17, surprising himself and his coaches.

“It was the first time I ever competed in the event, so I was very surprised when I found out I would be moving on to regionals,” he said.

During regionals on April 22 Walker also received second place, moving him onto the state meet.

“I jumped two feet and half an inch further then my previous district jump,” Walker said.

He hopes to do better at the state competition but expects to face some tough competition.

“I really want to place, but I know that I will have to jump even further then my regional distance,” Walker said.  “But whatever happens it will be a great experience and it will help prepare me for next year.”