By Chris Chandler

Jalein Wright can fly.

At least for a brief moment. The Idabel sophomore was one of only four competitors to leap over twenty feet at the Class 3A State Track Championships in Catoosa this past May. He was also the youngest of those four, with two more full years of high school ahead of him.

Jalein is very matter-of-fact when it comes to his goal for the future in this event.

“ I plan to go back to state next year and get first.”

The spring in Wright’s legs serves him just as well on the basketball court as it does flying over the sand of a long jump pit.

“I love basketball and it’s my favorite sport. I plan to get better at basketball and make it out past the high school level. I want to go play on the college level.”

Jalein’s formula for success in athletics and for achieving his goal of making it on to college as a student-athlete is simple and direct.

“I’m going to keep my grades up and have a positive attitude.”

A big component of that positive attitude comes from the sense of camaraderie and trust Wright has in his teammates and fellow Idabel Warriors.

“It means a lot to be an Idabel Warrior. I love being a Warrior.”

As impressive as Jalein Wright’s fourth place finish in the long jump was, it was only a starting point for this ambitious sophomore. Expect to see a lot more of him clad in his red-and-black Warrior gear in the future; but you’ll have to look up.

The dude can fly.