Louisa long jumper has nation's best jump distance

By: ROGER GONZALEZ | Daily Progress correspondent
Published: February 07, 2012

Javanique Burruss can call herself the best. The Louisa County High School junior track and field star has earned it.

Burruss participated in the St. Christopher’s Invitational at the end of January, putting up the best performance in the United States with a long jump of 20’1”.

“After the jump, I felt really good,” Burruss said. “I kind of felt like it was going to be a big jump. I still wasn’t expecting a 20-foot jump.

“When they called my name at the track meet, they told me that I had the school record and one of the top in the country. It made me feel really good, really happy.”

The talented Lions jumper won the Group AA state title in the girls long jump at 19’ 5” last year, setting a state record.

“Any time you are No. 1 in anything on the national level is pretty impressive,” Louisa coach Jerry Cutright said. “For her, that’s a huge step forward in her development. I was not really shocked, because I knew she had the potential if she got things clicking.

“She has stuck with it and had some ups and downs along the way. Like any true champion-like athlete, she has weathered a few storms. Now she is starting to reap the fruits...She is now enjoying some success that many people don’t get to enjoy. I don’t think she is really satisfied at this point. She knows she has potential to jump even further.”

It’s an odd feeling for Burruss, but it was one she expected, just not this early.

“I was expecting it my senior year, not right now,” she said of her long jump success. “I’ve had it in me all along. I have determination in me all the time.”

LCHS athletic director Michael Parsons can’t say enough about the star athlete.

“I was in total awe when Coach Cutright told me about Javanique’s performance,” Parsons said. “To have a student with any accomplishment that is noticed at the national level gives that school a sense of pride. Louisa County High School is very proud to have Javanique as a student-athlete and of her currently holding the national best indoor long jump.”

Now, Burruss is focused on continuing. Also a member of the school’s girls basketball team, the 16-year-old will participate today in the Jefferson District indoor track and field meet at Fork Union Military Academy.

For Burruss, it’s another chance to make history.

“I feel pretty confident,” she said. “Fork Union isn’t an excellent place to jump. Hopefully I can get an 18- or 19-foot jump.”

As for breaking her new record, she hopes it comes when it matters most.

“I’m really determined to do that at states,” Burruss said.