Cahokia senior Ja’Mari Ward (pictured above with head coach Leroy Millsap) set the National Federation of State High School Association’s (NFHS) national record in the triple-jump with a leap of 53 feet, 7 1/2 inches, at the St. Clair County Meet at Belleville West High School on April 28, 2016.

Ward’s effort on his third attempt broke the previous mark of 52 feet, 10 1/2 inches, set in 1980 by Charles Mayfield of Arcadia High School in Arcadia, California.

Ward’s banner day included breaking his own state record in the long jump with an effort of 25 feet, 6 3/4 inches, while he also won the 100- and 200-meter championships.

Ward’s incredible career already includes four individual IHSA state titles (2 triple jump, 2 long jump), a trio of relay state championships, and four other Top 3 state finishes. He will try to lead the Comanches to their sixth consecutive IHSA Class 2A team state championship in May.

The Belleville News Democrat has video of the record-setting jump, which can be viewed by clicking here.