Rumph wins silver in high jump at national championships

MAPLETON – Joel Rumph of Mapleton Township took home the silver medal in U18 men’s high jump at the recent Athletics Canada Indoor National Championships.

Rumph first earned a silver medal at the Provincial Championships in Toronto on Feb. 10, with a jump of 180cm or 5’11”.

On March 17 he travelled to Montreal for the National Championships, again claiming silver, with a jump of 188cm or 6’2”.

“Coming in second in all of Canada was a fun experience. I’d like to thank my coach, trainer, friends and family, who have all supported me along the way,” said Rumph.

He started jumping at the age of six at Track and Field Day at Community Christian School in Drayton.

In Grade 9, Rumph joined his high school track team and went on to place fourth at OFSSA that year.

This accomplishment led him to join the Laurel Creek Track and Field Club, where he currently practices with jumps coach Chris Timm at the University of Guelph.

Leading up to Nationals, Joel also trained with Joe Heenan of MyFit in Drayton.

The indoor competition season is short, with only a couple of “prep” meets before provincials and then the national competition.