MODESTO – When Jerrica Hauck quietly slipped onto the scene a year ago in the Sac-Joaquin Section Division III Track and Field Trials at Modesto Junior College she won the meet with a personal best 10-foot vault. This year Hauck was on her own personal stage, leading the crowd like at a concert and winning the meet – with another personal record.

Hauck represented East Union well, setting a new school record with a 11-foot-1-inch trip through space. Her level of comfort at center stage was undeniable, as before her final two attempts at 11-6 she guided a raucous contingent in a coordinated clapping ritual that peaked the crowd’s enthusiasm. She was unable to convert on either attempt, but stole the show none the less.

“This was actually the first time I’ve used the clap,” Hauck said. “I was so excited to come here (MJC) because the audience is right by the finish line, so I knew they would be clapping for me. Last year I came in here and I was so nervous. This year, I’ve been to a lot of meets and I was just more focused today.

“I came in wanting to set a PR”

Sierra High’s Jordan Johnson accomplished exactly what she wanted, finishing third in the girls long jump with a leap of 15-5. Johnson sealed her ticket to the Masters meet, setting her up for a final push in the last step before state.

“Since this is my first year I just wanted to advance,” Johnson said. “I just wanted to make sure I moved ahead. I’m going to try and beat my PR of 16-3 from here.

“Today was just enough to advance.”

Sierra’s Grant Widmer advanced to Masters in the high jump, tying with three others for the day’s best leap of 6-2. Widmer also was able to win his heat in the 110-meter hurdles before closing with a strong showing in the 300hurdles.

Another Timberwolf put on arguably the best performance of them all for his second consecutive divisional long jump title. Ulysses Knapps jumped 21-5, fighting off the frigid conditions to put forth the meet’s best jump.

The long jump did not get underway until nearly three hours into the meet, forcing Knapps into a challenging situation when it came to warming up. Not jumping until the event’s third flight did nothing to assist his mission, yet the Sierra senior had no trouble accomplishing the impressive feat.

The Timberwolves also saw sophomore Valerie Nestor advance to the Masters with a fifth place finish in the shot put. Sierra’s Kolton Cody and Stephan Thayer put on a show in the 100-meter trials, winning their respective heats in grand fashion and posting the event’s top-two times. The pair were also first and third with their 200-meter times, respectively.

The meet continues Thursday with the track finals and the boys shot put, pole vault, triple jump, along with the girls discus, high jump and triple jump. The meet begins with the field events at 3 p.m.