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Lodi high jumper Balentine leaps into the state spotlight

By News-Sentinel Staff
Wednesday, June 4, 2008 7:10 AM PDT

Accomplishment: Lodi High's Samantha Balentine placed sixth and earned a medal in the girls high jump last Friday at the CIF State Track and Field Championships at Cerritos College in Norwalk.


Samantha Balentine

The senior-to-be won a jump-off during Thursday's preliminary round to advance to the finals. She then cleared a mark of 5 feet, 7 inches to place in the top six in the state.

Family: Ray Balentine, father; two brothers and a sister.

Favorite sport: Track and field. "I enjoy the competition and the coaches," said Balentine, who also plays volleyball for Lodi. "I also like all the different places we get to travel for meets."

Favorite athlete: U.S. Olympians Amy Acuff and Billy Mills. Acuff is a three-time Olympian in the high jump and Mills was a gold medalist in the 10,000-meter run. "She's really determined and she's always positive," said Balentine, who has met both Acuff and Mills.

Favorite subject: Summer. "More time for track during the summer," Balentine said.

Favorite hobbies: Balentine enjoys hanging out with friends, playing sports, sleeping, eating food and helping young children succeed in track.

Would like to meet: Actor Will Ferrell. "He's hilarious," Balentine said.

Crowning achievement: Placing sixth at state in the high jump this year and getting to compete in the bigger invitationals.

Plans: Balentine hopes to attend a Division I college and continue to compete in track and field.

The Athlete of the Week is selected by the News-Sentinel sports staff. Nominations are gladly accepted. Balentine will receive a T-shirt courtesy of Lodi Sporting Goods for being selected.

Reader Feedback

Lodian wrote on Jun 4, 2008 10:57 AM:

" Congratulations, Samantha! "

oshomme wrote on Jun 4, 2008 9:25 AM:

" Sam, let your dreams carry you like a great rainbow to new horizons! --Coach Clam Jumper/Flat Tire. "

C-Dub wrote on Jun 4, 2008 7:31 AM:

" Woo Hoo, You get a t-shirt! "

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