John Tyler’s Andre Jefferson + Paul Pewitt’s Chadnee Knox Win Long Jump Gold; Newton’s Kevin Shorter Earns Silver

AUSTIN -- East Texas athletes claimed two gold medals and one silver medal during Friday's long jump finals at the UIL state track and field championships.

John Tyler's Andre Jefferson entered the Class 4A boys final as a favorite and delivered. Jefferson jumped 24 feet, 3/4 of an inch to win gold. Paul Pewitt's Chadnee Knox won her second consecutive Class 2A girls long jump title with a jump of 19 feet, 6 3/4 inches.

East Bernard's Ty Slanina, a TCU football signee, narrowly topped Newton's Kevin Shorter in the Class 2A boys final. Shorter claimed silver with a jump of 22 feet, 11 3/4 inches, only 2 3/4 inches shy of Slanina's gold-winning distance.

Shorter, who has an class of 2014 East Texas-best 22 football offers, was happy with his performance after finishing second at the 2A Region III final in Whitehouse two weeks ago.

"It was great because I gave it my all," Shorter said. "All I wanted to do was my best, and I think I did that. ... I'm just happy I came and competed well."

Shorter was preparing to compete with Newton's sprint relay team at noon Saturday.

"We don't wanna come out with second place," said Shorter of the Newton sprint relay team. "We came to win first."

Arp's Mikechell Potts, who edged Shorter for the 2A Region III crown two weeks ago, finished seven in Friday's state final with a jump of 21-5 3/4.

San Augustine's Bobby Tanner (20-3 1/2) placed ninth in Class A Division I, while Saltillo's Cade Daniel (18-10 1/2) finished ninth in Class A Division II.