Hagerstown Community College's Gabby Cook wins NJCAA women's high jump gold

Story reported by Dan Kauffman in 3-2 edition of the Herald-Mail to view follow The Herald-Mail 3-2-24

Gabby Cook became Hagerstown Community College's first female NJCAA national champion this century on Saturday morning. Cook, a sophomore and Boonsboro High School graduate, won the women's high jump, clearing 1.73 meters (5 feet, 8 inches), during the NJCAA Indoor Track & Field Championships at the Alachua County Sports and Events Center in Gainesville, Fla. "It is probably one of the best feelings I have ever had in my entire life," said Cook. Cook is the first HCC athlete to win a national title since Grant Smith won men's shot put championships both indoors and outdoors in 2013. Cook entered the competition as the top seed with a season-best jump of 1.77 meters (5 feet, 9 3/4 inches), achieved Jan. 20. She finished the season undefeated in the event. Barton County's Jazmine Williamson also cleared 1.73 meters. However, Cook did not have a miss until 1.76 meters (5-9), while Williamson missed on her first attempt at 1.70 meters (5-7). That proved to be the difference between gold and silver. "(Cook) did what she had to do. She stayed clean through 1.73," said HCC coach Mike Spinnler. "That meant (Williamson) had to clear 1.76, and she didn't."