Southwest Valley Boys Track Boasts High Jump Depth

Timberwolves return multiple state qualifiers in the high jump and hurdles events.

Mar. 29, 2026 at 10:10am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A cubist-style painting depicting a high jump competition, with the jumper's body and the bar broken down into sharp, overlapping geometric shapes in a vibrant color palette, conveying the dynamic energy of the event.Southwest Valley's depth in the high jump and hurdles events sets the stage for a promising track season.Corning Today

The Southwest Valley High School boys track and field team is poised for a strong season, led by a deep and talented high jump squad. Juniors Walker Bissell and Gavin Wetzel both qualified for the state meet in the high jump last year and are back this season, giving the Timberwolves a formidable one-two punch. Head coach Jason Hults also expects freshman Jayden Dennis to contribute in the high jump, though he may have a hard time cracking the varsity lineup. Bissell and Wetzel are also key hurdlers, and the team returns other state qualifiers like senior Wyatt Mendenhall in the 400-meter hurdles.

Why it matters

Southwest Valley has a proud tradition in boys track and field, especially in the high jump. Maintaining that level of excellence is crucial for the program to continue its success and compete for team titles. The depth in the high jump and hurdles events gives the Timberwolves a strong foundation to build around this season.

The details

Last season, Bissell and Wetzel both tied for 17th place at the state meet in the high jump. This year, they are back and expected to lead the way in that event for the Timberwolves. Coach Hults also has high hopes for freshman Jayden Dennis, who will push the two upperclassmen for varsity spots. In addition to the high jump, Bissell and Wetzel are also hurdlers and part of the shuttle hurdle relay team that made it to state in 2025. They'll be joined in the hurdles by senior Wyatt Mendenhall, who placed 7th in the 400-meter hurdles at state a year ago. Hults is also excited about his sprint group, led by junior Brody Crozier, and is eager to see how the 4x100 and 4x200 relay teams perform this season.

  • The Timberwolves will open their outdoor season tomorrow in Bedford.
  • Last season, Bissell and Wetzel both tied for 17th place at the state meet in the high jump.

The players

Walker Bissell

A junior who qualified for the state meet in the high jump last season.

Gavin Wetzel

A senior who qualified for the state meet in the high jump last season.

Jayden Dennis

A freshman who is expected to contribute in the high jump this season, though he may have a hard time cracking the varsity lineup.

Wyatt Mendenhall

A senior who placed 7th in the 400-meter hurdles at the state meet last year.

Brody Crozier

A junior who is expected to lead the Timberwolves' sprint group this season.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“It's a luxury to have [Bissell and Wetzel] especially when you are trying to score team points.”

— Jason Hults, Head Coach

“We're anxious to see our 4x100 and 4x200 relays this year.”

— Jason Hults, Head Coach

What’s next

The Timberwolves will open their outdoor season tomorrow in Bedford.

The takeaway

Southwest Valley's depth in the high jump and hurdles events, led by experienced state qualifiers, gives the team a strong foundation to build upon this season as they look to compete for conference and state titles.