Mason High’s Carrington Harper honored as Ohio indoor triple-jump champion at board meeting

Mason High senior Carrington Harper was introduced at the board meeting Tuesday after winning the Division I indoor state championship in the triple jump.

Head coach Tony Aftado (presented in the meeting as Tony Aftado) and Coach Oliver praised Harper’s development and leadership. Coach Oliver recounted Harper’s confidence after her third jump at the indoor state meet: “After her third jump, she came up to me and she had this big smile on her face and she says, ‘Coach, I’m gonna give you a state championship,’” Oliver said. “She went out there and she did it.”

Harper, who said she began triple jumping as a freshman, told the board the victory represented a long process of improvement and “redemption” after placing third the previous year. “I was just so happy to be able to come in first because last year I was third,” she said. Harper described the triple jump as rhythm-driven and physically demanding; she said she plans to compete in college and is considering medical school as a career path.

Superintendent Dr. Cooper and board members congratulated Harper and coaches with remarks and a gift; the board took a group photo to mark the occasion. Coach Aftado and Coach Oliver credited the program’s assistant coaches and community support for the athlete’s success.

Context: The appearance followed the district’s monthly “superintendent’s presentation” segment and showcased district extracurricular success alongside academic and program items on the agenda.

Next steps: Harper will finish her senior track season with Mason High and has interest from collegiate programs; the board and community celebrated her state title and leadership role on the team.