Springfield's Wheeler qualifies for nationals

The Cosmos' rising sophomore placed second in the triple jump, third in the javelin and fourth in the long jump last weekend at the 2017 AAU Region 1 Junior Olympics National Qualifer held in Plainfield, New Jersey.

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2017-07-08 / Sports Springfield's Wheeler qualifies for nationals PLAINFIELD, N.J. — Springfield track and field standout Cadence Wheeler is heading to nationals. Cadence Wheeler takes flight in the long jump at the AAU Northeast Regional Track and Field Championships in Plainfield, New Jersey last Saturday. — COURTESY Cadence Wheeler takes flight in the long jump at the AAU Northeast Regional Track and Field Championships in Plainfield, New Jersey last Saturday. — COURTESY The Cosmos' rising sophomore placed second in the triple jump, third in the javelin and fourth in the long jump last weekend at the 2017 AAU Region 1 Junior Olympics National Qualifer. By placing in the top five, he advances to the 2017 AAU National Junior Olympic Track and Field Championship at Eastern Michigan University. Accompanied by Springfield head coach Jim Fog, Wheeler joined coach Linda Trombley and the Tromnadoes team for the regionals. Region 1 encompasses all of New England, New York City and Long Island, the eastern half of upstate New York and the northern half of New Jersey. More than 1,200 athletes competed across three days in 90-degree heat and high humidity. Wheeler, who won an indoor state championship in the triple jump, hit 39-5 ½ at regionals, and his long jump of 20-1 was just three inches shy of his PR of 20-4 set at the divisional qualifier. He threw the javelin, an event he is relatively new at, 128-1. “We don't know yet if we'll enter all three or just the jumps,” Fog said. “TJ is his best event and his priority, followed by LJ. He's gained rapidly in both events under the guidance of [Springfield associate head] coach Stephen Lawrence. “Jav is new this season, though I've helped him get his PR up to 143-5; the winner in his age group last weekend had practiced since age 12 and threw 166. We have until next week to see how he's progressing.” Wheeler also competed in the 100-meter dash, tying for 11th overall with a time of 11.94 seconds. The nationals begin Monday, July 31 and run through Saturday, Aug. 5.