June 6, 2008 - COLUMBUS
Covington junior Renee Otte returned to state after a one-year absence and finished ninth in the long jump with a leap of 16-4.25.

It was one place from ending up on the podium, which Otte accomplished as a freshman with an eighth place finish.

"I was excited to make it back to state," Otte said. "But, it is disappointing not to place."

In spite of not placing, the fact that Otte was on the track competing in at Covington uniform was a reward for a year of hard work after fighting through pain and frustration. Otte's sophomore year was ruined due to an ACL injury.

As a freshman Otte and the jumpers had to battle a cold, rainy day.

This time it was the wind that made things difficult.

"I am not going to use the wind as an excuse, but it was tough (jumping)," Otte said. "I didn't think I was going to make the finals."

Fortunately Otte managed to squeeze into the finals, but couldn't improve on her distance in her final three jumps - leaving her on the outside looking in while the top eight competitors had a medal placed around their necks.

But it only inspires Otte to get back next year as a senior.

"It (finishing ninth) was disappointing," she said. "But I definitely want to make it back here next year."

Otte has plenty to shoot for in 2009. Out there is her own school record of 17-0.25 she set last week at regional and another opportunity at a state meet.