Siena Bateman is a jumper in the field events of track at La Jolla Country Day, but she loves the team component of the Torreys’ lacrosse team — it’s kind of a “completer” or balance for her as she continues in her junior year at LJCDS.
“The reason I’m able to go farther is, I can visualize it,” said the likable, forthcoming 16-year-old about her long-jumping. During the long jump event at the Mt. Carmel Field and Track Carnival on March 2, she asked a reporter she had never met before to interview her along with her long-time friend and opponent, Avery Redfern, a fellow jumper from La Jolla High.
“My coach Dean (Carpenter) suggested (visualization),” she explained. “Before, I was methodless. It was much harder. Now, I think each time I jump.”
She added, of her efforts this season that have led to an 18 feet 2.5 inches long jump, including winning the event at the Mt. Carmel Carnival, “That’s the way I continue to improve.”
When her foot-long increase in the long jump from last season to this was noted, she said, “It’s from strength, agility, and technique. The lacrosse is paying off for me, with versatility.”
Her opening more recently, only her second time meeting the same reporter, was, “Are you into March Madness? I filled my bracket out. My bracket is perfect. I put North Carolina at the top.” Asking her technique, Siena laughed, “Random. They’re all random.”
Regarding the lacrosse team, which she is playing concurrently, she said, “We started rocky. Our record is not that good, but we’re playing well together and I’ve played well.”
Furthermore, in the long jump, “It is my goal to keep my phases together. My second phase is the one I’m working on the most.”
Her goal: “I’m hoping to jump 19 feet this year.”
Math, with its defined nature, draws her. “There’s always a way to find the answer,” she says. “There are always straightforward methods.” Her college and career goals, at this point as a junior, include statistics and business.
Of influences, she said, “Both my parents influence me. I always consider their opinions. I value their opinions.”
Head track coach Kevin Reaume, alongside his star jumper, has a stable of athletes performing at a high level. Junior Julius Patton, a hulking 6 feet 4 inches tall, 240 pounds, has triple-jumped 41 feet, 3 inches, and won the long jump on March 20 in a dual meet at Orange Glen with 18 feet 4 inches. Darius Nwagbuo, a sophomore, has thrown the discus 128 feet.
Ethan Heldman has set the school record in the pole vault three weeks in a row, vaulting 14 feet 7 inches high most recently. The Priest brothers, Matthew, a senior, and Josh, a freshman, dominate the 100 and 200 meters, placing 1-2. Matthew Priest just set the school record in the 100 with 11.03.
“I say to Julius,” said Reaume, “‘When you’re looking for a school to play football, tell them you triple-jumped over 40 feet.’ That will impress them,” he said.