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As the final weeks of his high school time wound down, Amador Valley senior Ben Stout faced a major decision.
After finishing second in North Coast Section Meet of Champions in the high jump, Stout had the decision to advance on to the CIF State Track and Field Championships or to attend his high school graduation.
The opening day of the state meet was Friday, May 30, the same day as the Amador Valley graduations ceremonies. I had written about it that week, saying there is no right answer as it is something each athlete – and their family – must decide.
For me it would have been an easy decision: I had much higher aspirations educationally than a high school degree and as a competitive athlete, the chance to compete at the highest level would be exciting.
For Stout – who was also a member of the Amador Valley football team that played for a state title – the decision was also an easy one.
“It really wasn’t a tough decision for me. This was a goal I had since I started track season and after the amazing experience going to state with the football team it was a no-brainer for me,” said Stout, who ultimately finished fifth in the state in the high jump.
But it was hardly an automatic decision.
“I knew it was important for my family, so we all sat down and talked about it,” Stout explained. “They were very supportive of my goals and were so happy for me in whatever I wanted to do.”
The Amador Valley administration team stepped up in a major way to facilitate whatever the Stout family needed.
“It also helped that my school helped make it a good experience for my family to be there during our class rehearsal where I actually graduated,” Stout said. “My whole family was there, and they got to see me walk across the stage in a special ceremony.”
After the graduation situation was settled, it was time for preparation for the final high school athletic event of Stout’s career.
What were the expectations?
“I honestly was feeling good going into the meet, especially after coming off the MOC high and jumping 6 foot, 6 inches to actually hit the qualifying mark for the state meet,” Stout said of the section meet, where he set a personal best.
He advanced out of the state trials with another clearance of 6-6, and it was off to fight for a medal.
“As for the finals, I just wanted to get on the podium and knew I had to come out strong and try to hit my jumps on the first try,” Stout said. “When I hit 6-5 first try, I knew it was going to be a good day. But getting 6-7, let alone on my first jump, was something that has been a dream in my head all season as my end goal.”
“Six-six was the current Amador school record held by Andy Finn since 1975, and I wanted more than anything to make my mark on that list, especially knowing this was the last time I would be in an Amador uniform,” he added. “It was amazing to jump 6-7 and to do it in the state meet competing against the best jumpers in the state. I proved to myself that I belong in that group and to do it with all my family and friends near and far cheering for me was such an amazing experience I won’t ever forget.”
Josh Harel of Notre Dame-Sherman Oaks was the winner at 6-9. By virtue of not missing a height through 6-7, Stout secured his fifth-place medal.
After an incredible senior year that saw Stout compete in those two state championships, he now turns his full attention to college.
“As for next year, I am heading to University of Oregon in the fall to study kinesiology,” Stout said. “I am hopeful to walk on to the track team and be able to wear a Duck uniform and represent Amador/Pleasanton with pride.”
Editor’s note: Dennis Miller is a contributing sports writer for Embarcadero Media Foundation’s East Bay Division. To contact him about his Pleasanton Preps column, email acesmag@aol.com.
