Robert Jeffrey
Sun Sports Contributor
Cameron Turner Photo

NORWICH – Speed, strength, precision, and poise all present the skills needed to land the perfect jump.
On a picture perfect Sunday, with sweat glistening and mental fatigue setting in, an exhausted Caroline Stewart prepares for her next leap, aimlessly trying to perfect her craft. Just one more jump to complete her Sunday workout as coach Scottie Decker looks on.
The Norwich High School junior, bent on making the New York State Meet for a third time, determined to end the one year state meet drought that plagued her following an injury prone sophomore campaign. Cha’ Ching says Decker as Caroline ends the workout on a high note, and as the two walk off into what should be seen as nothing short as the ending of a Hollywood movie, they both know there is still some unfinished business.
As for Stewart and her Sunday practice sessions? They’ve certainly paid off.
“I had my mind set on going to states this year from the first day, so actually going back to states is a great accomplishment for me because that was my biggest goal for the season,” said Stewart. “I'm grateful to be going back and competing.”
With Stewart’s State Championship debut coming as an eighth grader, following that with another appearance as a freshman, the bar she holds her performances to are understandably very high.
“It feels great to be back (at States), like I said that was my goal and it feels good to know all your hard work has paid off,” said an excited Stewart.
The jubilation associated with making the state meet for a first time is exciting, but for a third time in four years; there is a very good reason for celebration, especially according to NHS jumps coach, Scottie Decker.
“Caroline is a stand out. Her smile is infectious and her laughter is healing. While she does not draw attention to herself, she is the star,” said Decker. “She can handle states. It is not a new experience for her. She needs to go to states, do what she does best, jump and enjoy the experience.”
But don’t let that smile and laughter fool you, when it’s time for her turn to hit the pits, Caroline is all business.
“Caroline is a high achiever. She listens and processes information and then uses it,” explained Decker. “She does not fold to competition. She may not always jump well in practice, but when we are in competition she trusts me on her board and we have been very successful throughout the season. She is a true competitor.”
Given the track record of Stewart’s varsity athletic career of tennis as well as indoor and outdoor track, she doesn’t back down. This quality is something that has put her in the position that she is in now; in contention for a state championship. Something that she desired to attempt and finally claimed a state meet birth.
In last week’s Section IV State Qualifier held at Union-Endicott and Vestal High Schools, Stewart was the cream of the crop when it came to Division II high school track and field athletes. Not only was the strapping Stewart able to punch her ticket to the state meet in one event, she was able to qualify in two events; long jump and triple jump.
Currently, Stewart is seeded eighth for both events for Division II competition, with seeding jumps of 17’2.75” in the long jump and 35’10.25” in the triple jump. While Stewart is prepared for the grind that is the New York State meet, Coach Decker is ready to watch her jumper strive for greatness; especially in triple jump.
“I love her in triple jump the most,” said Decker, “Caroline is so exciting to watch, it gives you goose bumps when she nails it.”
The bond between coach and athlete is always a special one. And as Stewart embarks upon her third trip to the New York State Championships, she reflected upon how much Coach Decker has helped her reach this point in her athletic career.

“I have the best jumping coach,” said Stewart, “Coach Decker believes in me even when I don't believe in myself. She'll come down to the pits on a Sunday if I ask her to, she's very loyal to me and to her jumpers.” Stewart added, “She’s the biggest reason I’ve made it this far.”
As the New York State Championships for Track and Field inch closer and closer, and with a slew of Tornado athletes joining Stewart as they flock to Union-Endicott High School over the course of the two day June 9 and 10 meet, Coach Decker left some final words of wisdom.
“As long as the kids try their best, which is all they know how to do, we are winners. The time for coaches to sit back and enjoy is now.”
And just where will Coach Decker be when the competition begins?
“You will find me in the pits,” said Decker. “I will always be there for my kids. So look for the Tornado to be at states and shake things up.”
And as for Stewart as she continues to prepare for Friday’s competition?
Stewart explained, “The biggest thing I'm working on is trying to get my boards perfect, I've been working them every day and hopefully they will be perfect by Friday.”
Clearly, learning from her Sunday workouts, Stewarts knows there is only one way to go; up, as she continues to skyrocket to new distances and new achievements in the pits.