Midland High's Lujan surprises with high jump win at Tall City Relays

Bulldogs junior clears 6-6 in his first track meet since junior high

Published on Feb. 28, 2026

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Midland High junior Isaac Lujan, fresh off the basketball court, won the boys high jump at the Rogers Ford Tall City Relays track and field meet by clearing 6 feet, 6 inches. It was a stunning performance considering Lujan just came out for track this week after basketball season and only had a few practices under his belt.

Why it matters

Breakthrough performances are common in track and field, and Lujan's unexpected win in the high jump highlights the potential for athletes to excel in new events, especially when they bring cross-training from other sports. Lujan's success also shines a light on the Midland High track and field program and its ability to develop versatile athletes.

The details

Lujan, who hadn't competed in a track meet since junior high, cleared 6-6 to win the event, a mark that ranks in the top 25 in the country this season. He actually cleared the bar at 6-8 before it came down on his fall. Lujan's high jump coach, Reese Puckett, who is also an assistant coach for the Midland High basketball team, had tried to get Lujan to high jump during his sophomore season but he wasn't interested at the time. This year, Puckett convinced Lujan to give it a try, and the junior's natural athleticism and cross-training from basketball paid off with an impressive debut performance.

  • Lujan won the boys high jump at the Rogers Ford Tall City Relays on February 27, 2026.
  • Lujan had just come out for track this week after the basketball season ended.

The players

Isaac Lujan

A junior at Midland High School who won the boys high jump at the Tall City Relays with a mark of 6 feet, 6 inches, despite only having a few practices under his belt after the basketball season.

Reese Puckett

Midland High's high jump coach and an assistant coach for the Bulldogs basketball team, who convinced Lujan to come out for track this year after trying to get him to high jump during his sophomore season.

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What they’re saying

“Isaac, he has been showing up to practice, working hard. He hasn't actually had a lot of practices yet, so I think he can keep on improving and getting better. Today he showed us that he can get 6-foot-8. I think the sky is the limit. I think that's one of the top heights in the region right now. We're looking forward to having him and having him out here for more practices and more meets. I think the sky is the limit for that kid.”

— Reese Puckett, Midland High high jump coach (mrt.com)

“I had no clue. Practice I got 6-2. Nothing like 6-6.”

— Isaac Lujan (mrt.com)

What’s next

Lujan will look to continue his success in the high jump as the track and field season progresses, with the goal of potentially qualifying for the state meet.

The takeaway

Lujan's surprise performance in the high jump showcases the value of cross-training and the potential for athletes to excel in new events, even with limited experience. His success also highlights the strength of the Midland High track and field program in developing versatile and talented athletes.