Published: May 13, 2008 10:16 pm            

BOYS TRACK: L-P's Seyler soars in new sport

It’s safe to say everyone knows Robby Seyler when he’s rocking his Air Jordans. But this spring, the area is getting a dose of the hoops star donning a pair of Etonics.

The All-Niagara Frontier League and All-Niagara Gazette basketball player is now showcasing his athletic talents on the track thanks to the encouraging words of veteran Lewiston-Porter coach Mark Johnson and Seyler’s experiences as a fan watching his brother, Terry, compete the past few years.

“I always wanted to try it,” the Lew-Port junior said. “My brother did the long jump and the high jump and I used to do it in gym, so I figured I’d give it a shot.”

And right from day one, boys track coach Rick Sweeney knew Seyler would be successful.

“You could see that he had the ability to just launch himself,” he said. “He just has great leaping ability.”

Seyler decided that he’d try his hand at the high jump, long jump and triple jump. Of course, being a first-year participant, he needed to focus heavily on his form. Specifically in the high jump, Seyler needed to work hard to get his back bent in a way to clear the height.

“I had to get more flexible,” he said.

Seyler has done just that and with great success, at least tying for first place in the high jump during every meet he’s entered this season. His top jump of six-feet has automatically qualified him for sectionals and put him in the hunt for an NFL title. He’s also achieved provisional status for sectionals in both the long and triple jump, although his distances have recently seen huge improvements.

“He has a lot of raw potential that he’s just starting to tap into,” Sweeney said. “He’s working hard at it and he’s got a great attitude, so it’s really exciting to think of what he could be capable of.”

In fact, Seyler thinks he can still go much higher in all three events. His biggest reasoning — limited pressure.

“Track is so loose,” he said. “I don’t have to do everything, I can just concentrate on my events. I love it. It’s so much fun. And you don’t have to worry about college scouts or any stuff like that.”

Don’t be mistaken, though, basketball is still Seyler’s top priority. And having this track and field experience might actually help his production on the hardwood come next winter.

“I think it will help my speed because the running and the jumping in track just goes straight to your legs and makes them stronger,” he said.

        

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