Shaler junior Mbalo moves closer to WPIAL goals

By: Josh Rizzo
Thursday, May 2, 2019 | 4:22 PM

Cam Mbalo came into the season with lofty goals.

The Shaler junior jumper is gunning for a WPIAL Class AAA championship after qualifying for the indoor state championships during the winter.

Mbalo showed any pressure of such pursuits haven’t halted his progress. If the season ended after the Butler Invitational, Mbalo would have been the highest seed in the triple jump by three feet.

At the event, Mbalo leaped the third-best distance in Pennsylvania and set the Titans school record with a jump of 47 feet, 0 inches.

Mbalo, a junior, said he keeps a close eye on the top jumpers from around the state.

“Honestly, I want to be the best I can be,” Mbalo said. “I look at milesplit and see the top guys are putting up 48 and 49 feet. I competed against them at indoor states.”

Mbalo was jumping around 37 feet last year but has spent more time on getting extra workouts in.

“His consistency and great rhythm as far as his approach to the board,” Shaler coach Shawn Ryan said. “He’s been developing and using speed to carry into the first phase to make himself more effective. He has great ability to be patient, and it motivated to know what he needs to do.”

That drive and desire has led to a 10-foot improvement in a year. While making that type of progress again is highly unlikely, Mbalo is dedicated to pushing his own school record.

No stone will be left unturned on his technique. Every step is crucial.

“Jumping is a measuring thing,” Mbalo said. “Everything matters. I could rotate my foot better and have better pop in my last phase. Anything I can do to add a few more inches.”

Mbalo is one of the contenders to qualify for the WPIAL championships, which will be held May 16 at Slippery Rock.

The WPIAL takes the top 24 times and distances recorded by athletes during the regular season.

“We have about 10 athletes, give or take, on the radar,” Ryan said. “Danielle Eshelman has been improving her numbers in the 3,200 and 1,600. Mayah Charity has been strong in the 100 and 200. Andrew Dadowski has good numbers. He’s leading our team in terms of points scored. We will find out by May 9 who is live for the top 24.”

Tags: Shaler