COLUMBUS — A hamstring injury on his jumping leg nearly derailed Aidan Mahon’s postseason aspirations.
After the Philo junior missed the Muskingum Valley League meet, he recovered enough to win district and regional titles on his way to Columbus.
Mahon etched his name in the Philo record books on June 7, becoming the school’s first state champion after clearing a personal-best of 6-foot-6 to capture the gold in the Division II boys high jump at Ohio State’s Jesse Owens Stadium.
Mahon cleared that height on his first attempt, while Cincinnati Taft’s Lorenzo McMullen needed two attempts. Neither cleared 6-7.
“Definitely, a lot of emotions, and it feels good knowing my hard work led to this,” Mahon said. “My nerves had got the best of me the past couple of years. I felt a lot more confident this season.”
The injury affected Mahon’s mindset, noted coach Kris Hayes. He credited Mahon for fighting through the setback to make history.
“Missing the MVL meet and not being able to repeat was tough on him mentally,” Hayes said. “He battled through it during the district meet. We thought he could contend today. It took him awhile to get going, but once he woke up, he really took off.”
Mahon credited a strong indoor season in helping him clear those nerves. He finished second in the high jump and fourth in the long jump at the indoor state meet.
Mahon also made the podium on June 6 to earn All-Ohio accolades, placing eighth in the boys long jump (21-7).
“Performing well at indoors was a confidence boost, and being here (Friday) also helped,” Mahon said. “I made sure to stay rested before each meet during the postseason. I didn’t start well today, but when I cleared 6-5, I felt like I was in my groove.”
bhannahs@gannett.com; X: @brandonhannahs
This article originally appeared on Zanesville Times Recorder: Philo junior wins first state title in school history
Reporting by Brandon Hannahs, Zanesville Times Recorder / Zanesville Times Recorder
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