Highs and lows of track and field
Mustangs' Veen experienced a lot of them.
In his final high-school event, one that was, of course, delayed by inclement weather to make it fitting for Spring 2019, Mullen’s Matt Veen literally went through some highs and lows on Friday in the Class 4A high jump at Jefferson County Stadium in Lakewood.
Ultimately, he finished in a tie for eighth place and it was bittersweet for the basketball lover who was encouraged to give track and field a try.
“I mean, it was cool,” the 6-foot-5 Veen said. “It was my first year doing track. It was a cool experience. It didn’t end how I wanted it, but it was a good experience.”
Veen badly wanted to win the event, but had to settle for a tie with two others. He cleared 6-1 inch, but couldn’t handle 6-3. A height of 6-5 won it.
“It was super fun and required a lot of talents,” Veen said. “Obviously, it was different for basketball. It’s an individual sport and fun in its own way.”
He’ll soon be at Link Year Prep in Branson, Mo., a chance to take come college credits, improve his basketball game and hope to be picked up by a four-year college.
“It’s an opportunity for me to do something and I’m excited to see where it goes,” Veen said.
The Mustangs made it to the Sweet 16 in 5A basketball, but he’ll also never forget his efforts in a sport he is glad he tried. And, yes, he agrees his prep career went by in a flash.
“It’s sad it and it went by quick,” he said. “At least, I went out well, not like I wanted to, but I wanted to leave a little legacy and I think I did that.”
In the first three photos below, shot by Mullen Sports Photographer John Leyba, Veen, shows the form that helped him clear 6-1 and come within a couple of inches of the school record. In Veen missed at 6-3. In Photos 5, he joined others on the podium by placing in a tie for eighth place.
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