North Ridgeville High state champion high jumper heading to Wright State University

North Ridgeville High School senior Nathan Bright came through when it mattered most this year. After second-place finishes at the Southwestern Conference and Port Clinton regional meets, the second-year high jumper captured the Division I state title June 6 with a career-record jump of 6-9 to become the North Ridgeville boys' first state track and field champion. Bright hopes to continue the success on the college level at Wright State University in Dayton. "I went on my official visit about the beginning of June," said Bright. "Wright State stood out due to the coaching staff. Academics, location and athletics all played a big part in my decision." A forward for the Rangers' 2024 Division II state semifinalist soccer team, Bright thought soccer might be his ticket to a college scholarship before a memorable finish to the track season. "Wright State is a nice school," said Bright. "I had previously visited the school several times for a club soccer tournament when I was younger. I just really liked the campus, the athletics and the academics." Bright cleared the school-record 6-9 on his first attempt at state at Jesse Owens Memorial Stadium. He defeated West Clermont junior David Lack, who also cleared 6-9 but needed three attempts. Both missed three attempts at 6-10. "Nathan's very excited about the opportunity to compete next year and to train with (assistant coach Jeff) Ross," said Tina Bright, Nathan's mother. "Wright State has a special place in our hearts because we used to travel there each fall for soccer tournaments. While we were there, we would take him to the rec center to let him burn off energy on the rock-climbing walls." One of Nathan Bright's WSU teammates is also a 6-9 jumper in Thomas Cook from Miami Valley School, who finished as Division III state runner-up. "It is going to be fun watching them work and grow together," said Tina Bright. "Very much like the relationship that Nathan, Jackson (Hughes from Avon) and Riley (Jones, from Berea-Midpark) had this year." It wasn't an easy decision for Nathan Bright as he did have a college offer to play soccer. "Nathan was offered an athletic scholarship to play soccer for Malone," said Tina Bright. "He loved the coach and the academic program, but it just didn't feel like home, like Wright State did. We also had no idea he would come close to winning the state championship. We were just happy that he made it there and got to experience it. "He just started track last year and had no experience with jumping. We have found track to be an incredible experience filled with the most amazing people. Everyone is so positive and supportive. I will definitely miss watching him play soccer, but I am excited to see him continue jumping." Contact Paul Heyse at 329-7135 or ctsports@chroniclet.com.