State Champion spotlight: Nyagoa Bayak Westbrook HS

State Champion spotlight: Nyagoa Bayak Westbrook HS

Freshman Nyagoa Bayak had a dream freshman season that saw the high jumper win the Class A State Title breaking the state meet record in the process with her 5-7 clearance. Bayk also set the SMAA & freshman class record in the event. She went on to win the New England Championship once again clearing 5-7. Bayak will compete in the national meet this weekend. We caught up with her to ask about her preparations, all the hype that came with being the favorite, and how high she thinks she can jump on a perfect day.

What were your preparations leading up to the state meet?

I prepared by working on my approach. I didn't really have that much time because I also had to prepare for my playoff game. 

How did you deal with the pressure and emotions that come along with competing in a state meet?

I was very nervous at first  I just really didn't want to disappoint my team. I was expected to score and place, but I had to forget about the pressure and do my best. 

You came into the state meet as the heavy favorite, and had a front page article in the PPH the morning of the state meet. What did it mean to you to win the meet as a freshman, and live up to all the pre-meet hype. 

It meant a lot to me that I won as a freshman. I did not expect that to happen going into the season. I just really wanted to PR and clear 5'8. I knew if I stayed calm and didn't focus on the negative and the stuff that could go wrong, I would do fine.  

Coming into the season what were your goals and did you achieve them?

My goal coming into the season was to clear 5'6 which I achieved my second meet. I had no idea I would qualify for/win New England's let alone qualify for nationals.  

You've had a great freshman year jumping a best of 5-7 so far, heading into the outdoor season what do you think you can jump on a perfect day

I think I could jump 5'8 on a perfect day if I get more practice in and I worked hard. That's a goal I believe could achieve.

2015-16 Results