Richards’ stellar high jump season continues at New Balance Outdoor Nationals

By Craig Beilfuss
LocalSportsJournal.com

PHILADELPHIA, PA–Fruitport Calvary Christian sophomore Bradley Richards continues to make headlines this spring with his prowess in the high jump.

Recently, Richards captured the Division 4 state title in the high jump with an all-time area best of 6-10.

He added to that this past weekend at the New Balance Outdoor Nationals, this past Thursday through Sunday. He was joined on the national stage by Hart sophomore Addison Hovey and Reeths-Puffer senior Liam McHugh.

The track and field event took place at the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia.

“Lots of stress with both girls’ and boys high jump event,” said Reeths-Puffer volunteer track coach Jim McHugh. “There were so many entries they were going to divide the competition into two pits. But at the last minute they combined the kids into one heat, 60 boys and 55 girls in competition is unprecedented.

“It’s very difficult to manage warmup times and trying to predict when you will be up next. At the highest levels, time management is so important.”

Richards, recorded a second-place finish with a jump of 6-8.24. Senior Damarion Potts, who is the New Jersey state high jump champion, claimed the title at 6-9.

“Brad obviously had a great string of meets,” said McHugh. “He has a huge upside that we are looking forward to cultivating. If he can improve a couple of inches in the next two years, he is sure to be one of the nation’s best. But it will take some dedication and work. He is ready and hungry for more.”

Reeths-Puffers’ Liam McHugh finished in 31st place with a jump of 6-2.

“Liam has improved so much this season,” said his McHugh, Liams’ father, coach and trainer. “He and I couldn’t be happier. He and I set a goal of being all-state last year and jumping 6-5. He exceeded our wildest dreams by doing that early in May and then reaching incredible times in the hurdles that would have made him a state champ in Division 2, 3 and 4.”

McHugh is headed to Cornerstone University where he will compete in soccer along with track and field.

In the girls’ division, Hart’s Addison Hovey, fresh off of winning the MHSAA Division 3 high jump title, finished in 19th place at 5-4.

“Addison is another generational talent in the high jump,” said McHugh. “She is still learning a lot. Once she gains the confidence and consistency, she will be unstoppable.”

McHugh is a personal trainer for several athletes in the area and has some athletes who drive several hours to work on high jump techniques. The Pentwater high school graduate has trained track and field athletes in short sprints, hurdles and all jumps.

He was excited for the three student-athletes who had the opportunity to compete this weekend.

“Philadelphia is an incredible city filled with so much history,” said McHugh. “We got to see some great sites this afternoon (Constitution Hall, Liberty Bell and the Rocky steps and statue). I raced the boys up the steps and I didn’t win even with the head start I gave myself.”

Photos below are courtesy of Jim McHugh