A Quarter-Inch More, And A State Record For Kamyren Garrett

VIRGINIA BEACH, VIRGINIA -- When Kamyren Garrett eclipsed his career best mark in the high jump this past Sunday in his first meet of the indoor season, he was on a personal high for roughly a few hours. 

Until he realized it had tied an Indiana state indoor record. 

Fortunately for the Indianapolis Lawrence Central senior, he wasn't finished. 

On Saturday, Garrett officially captured Indiana's top mark at Adidas Indoor Nationals, moving up a quarter-inch to secure a new personal best height of 7-feet, 2.5 inches in the championship division to claim his first national title inside the Virginia Beach Sports Center. 

"I just wanted to come out and get something new," Garrett. "I recently found out that I was No. 2 all-time in Indiana. So now I'm No. 1. So I wanted to come out and get that win. I wanted to put on a show for everyone watching." 

Really, though, Garrett was in different a stratosphere. 

After second-place Kiaeem Thomas closed off his series at 1.99 meters (6-6.25), Garrett was left to create his own momentum as the bar continued to rise. 

He cleared 2.04 meters (6-8.24) and 2.09 (6-10.24) in quick succession before the seven-foot barrier started to approach his earlier challenges. 

"I just feel like after the first one, I can easily go back and do it a second time," Garrett said of the way he moved into each series. "That's one thing I have to work on. Making sure I take enough time to gather myself again and make sure the next one is quality." 

He cleared 2.15 meters (7-0.50) on his second try before skying high for his new personal record at 2.20 (7-2.50) on his first attempt. He pointed at the bar quizzically after clearing it so soon. 

He then missed three straight attempts at 7-3.25.

Still, Garrett was beyond elated. 

"I'm a senior this year," he said. "It's my last track season of high school. I just want to come in and make memories."