05/31/2026
What a way to end the season. We asked our guys to get 1% better each day and look at them now. STATE CHAMPION and ALL-STATE.
Malik's performance in the triple jump will go down as an epic sports drama. With the first two jumps of state finals competed, the mark of 14.35 was still the mark to beat. It came down to the final two jumpers, a talented young man from Homewood Flossmore and Malik. On his final jump, the jumper from HW hit a 14.36. The crowd erupted in screams and groans. It came down to his final jump.
Malik took a deep breath, got ready, and then stood up tall and yelled, "HEYYY-OOOHHHH." Like clockwork all season, his mother Latoya and family yelled it right back as the crowd began to clap. Malik ran up to the board with half a foot on it, held his phases, and the place erupted again when he hit the sand. Everyone knew he flew, but we just didn't know how far until the man on the mic called out 14.74.
It's the type of drama you want to see on the grandest stage. Hugs, cheers, tears, and everything. Malik's jump won all classes as the farthest mark, while is ranked 80th in the nation. He is the 16th individual to win a state championship and the first since Josh Augusta in 2013.
Meanwhile, Cam was just as dramatic in his efforts. Cam cleared 6-0 on his first attempt, but needed three attempts to clear 6-2. Out of the 20 jumpers, that put Cam in 19th place going into 6-4. Again, Cam missed his first two attempts and cleared it on his final attempt to move to 15th.
On 6'6, the jumpers began dropping. AGAIN, missing his first two attempts, it only felt natural at this point that he needed to miss. On his final attempt, Cam cleared 6'6 to join a field of 9 jumpers. Cam might have missed 6'7 to bow out, but he finished 9th overall. He is the first high jumper to place All-State since 2010.
Both of these men qualified for state for the first time this season and ended at the highest honor you could ask for. Both will be competing at Eastern Illinois University next year as Division 1 athletes.
Congratulations. You have made the city of Peoria proud.
