Aquinas’ Garett Novacek rises high to win Class C high jump [Video]

OMAHA — Garett Novacek kept going up.

It started at districts last week, with a three-inch personal best in the high jump that sent him to state as the No. 2 seed in the Class C boys portion of the event.

And it ended Friday morning with another PR and a gold medal after he outdueled defending champion Jenson Anderson at the state track and field meet at Burke Stadium.

Novacek cleared the winning height of 6 feet, 8 inches on his first attempt. Then he waited.

“I’m just grateful,” Novacek said. “This is surreal. Really surreal.”

Hastings St. Cecilia’s Anderson, who won the 2023 Class C title by clearing 6-6, finally got over the bar at 6-8 Wednesday on his third attempt.

Both competitors had good attempts at clearing what would have …