It’s as easy as 1-2-3 for senior to win triple jump crown

At last, the dark clouds have parted above George Wythe High.

In what has been a dreary year in sports for the South Richmond school, Jamel Wilford has delivered a beam of sunshine.

In dramatic, upset fashion, Wilford won the Dominion District triple jump, outdistancing defending state Group AAA champion Antonio Miller of Manchester. Wilford’s 44-3 bested Miller by one inch.

It marked just the second time Wilford, a 6-2, 152-pound senior, had triple jumped in competition.

“I basically learned from watching the others jump,“ he said. “I never even practiced at our pit, but I’m a jumper. I’m good at anything that has to do with jumping.“

Wilford’s debut came a week before the district meet, when he recorded a 41-0 at L.C. Bird.

“Jamel has the ideal athletic build to triple jump - long and lean,“ Wythe coach Jimmy Hart said. “With those long strides, he can stretch out each phase.“

Tough year: Wythe was overdue for good fortune. Often undersized, outnumbered and overmatched, the Bulldogs were winless in football and boys and girls basketball.

“We’ve got the athletes, just not the mentality,“ Wilford said. “It’s gotten so we expect to lose.“

Wilford earned all-Dominion District defensive back honors last fall for the football team.

His efforts weren’t in vain, however. He will enroll at Virginia State University in August on full football scholarship.

Famous uncle: Wilford is the nephew of Ernest Wilford, now of the NFL’s Miami Dolphins. Jamel grew up in the same house with Ernest in the David Gardens subdivision.

“We’re like brothers,“ Jamel said. “I spent a whole month living with him at Tech in the dorm. I know [former Hokies players] DeAngelo Hall, Marcus Vick, Michael Vick . . . all of them.“

Ernest, who recently signed a four-year, $14 million contract, starred at Armstrong High and Tech before embarking on an NFL career.

They keep close tabs.

“I lost my track shoes a few weeks ago, and Ernest sent me money for new ones,“ Jamel said.

Amen: Even in hard times, Wilford has kept his chin up. His optimism stems from some family and church values.

“As long as you work hard, with dedication and determination, you’ll be a winner,“ he said.

On Sundays, Wilford sings in the choir of the Ebeneezer Church of Our Lord Jesus Christ, where the minister is his grandfather, Ernest Wilford Sr.

“I’m not a great singer,“ Wilford said, “but my grandfather tells me I can at least carry a note.“

His rhythm on the triple jump runway isn’t too shabby, either.

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