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	The Ypsilanti Courier A Heritage Newspaper Weekly Publication

Sanders feted for long jump

By Bruce Mason, Special Writer

PUBLISHED: June 14, 2007

When it comes to the long jump at Ypsilanti High School, the Braves have a new leader in town.

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His name is Marvon Sanders and he will forever be known for his jumping and leaping ability.

On June 2 at Zeeland, Sanders leaped 21 feet, three inches to claim second place in the long jump among all Division 2 athletes in the State of Michigan at the MHSAA track and field championships.

Witnessing the feat on the west side of the state was Braves' coach Torin Moore as well as Sanders' mother, aunt and uncles. As well as former Ypsilanti track star Woody Payne.

"He just joined the rankings of the all-staters since I've been coaching the guys," Moore said. "I guess he was determined."

Sanders earned a medal at Zeeland for his second-place finish. And then at the team banquet on June 7, Moore presented him with an All-State certificate in a glass frame.

Here is how Moore addressed the banquet crowd when presenting the award to Sanders: "The next award is going to the only guy who placed in the state meet, and he now joins the all-state list with Clint Simmons, Woody Payne, LaPell Powell, Shae Malveaux, Andre Oyebamiji, Antonio Roberson, D'Real Graham and Robert Horton.

"Your next all-stater, Marvon Sanders."

Moore believes Sanders reached his all-state status because he wants to be the best at everything he does.

"In football, he's the top star, him and Martez (Dykes)," Moore said. "In basketball when they need to score, he takes over. In track, same way."

Sanders is also determined to "follow Woody's legacy" of "winning," said Moore. Payne, who plays basketball at the University of Detroit, holds the school record of 23-1 in the long jump. At the state meet, Payne pulled Sanders aside and gave him words of wisdom before he achieved his second-place finish.

Zach Heerspink (Hamilton) leaped 21-feet 9.5-inches to take first place, but Moore said Sanders should not be disappointed, by any means.

"I told Marvon, 'Look at the bright side, he beat your best,'" Moore said, "If he is going to beat your best, give it to him, this time"'

Sanders' best is 21-5. When asked if Sanders can reach Payne's mark of 23-1, Moore said "anything is possible."

Moore will continue to push Sanders in an effort to make him an even better athlete. It comes from his New Jersey background on instilling an attitude to work hard and succeed.

"That's my job," Moore said. "He's like any other kid that needs a push, here and there."