Messenger photos by Britt Kudla Southeast Valley’s Kiersten Fisher, shown earlier this year, captured the state high jump title in Class 2A on Friday in Des Moines.

DES MOINES — Kiersten Fisher hopes her first state championship is the start of more gold for the Southeast Valley track and field program.

Fisher cleared 5-foot-4 on her first attempt Friday at the state meet, giving her the Class 2A title. It marked the first championship for a Jaguar athlete.

“It feels so great to know I’ve done something I’ve always thought about accomplishing,” Fisher said. “Personally, it shows that hard work does pay off.

“And for my school, I really hope we can continue this success in the future.”

Fisher, a sophomore, had no trouble clearing 4-8, 4-10 or 5-0 on her first attempts at each height. After missing at 5-2 once, she went over the bar in less-than-favorable conditions.

“It could have definitely been better,” she said. “But I’ve had to compete in less than ideal weather before, so I knew how to react.”

On her first attempt at 5-4, Fisher had no trouble. Five other athletes, though, failed to go over the mark on their initial attempts, and when no one cleared 5-6, the title belonged to the Jaguar.

Fisher also posted the second-fastest prelim time in the 100 hurdles at 15.26, giving her two races on Saturday to add to her ever-growing resume. She also is seeded first in the 100 finals.

“This is big for Southeast Valley and our community because she is the first one to win a state championship at Southeast Valley,” SEV head girls track coach Mike Swieter said. “I’m very proud of her and excited for what the future brings, and hoping she can get another one (on Saturday).”

Mason Ackerson finished 23rd in the discus for Southeast Valley with a throw of 109-0. Both the 4×100 and 4×200 relays finished 22nd.

Colton Kamp, Chase Swieter, Kyler Fisher and Nyles Johnson comprised both relays.