Aplington-Parkersburg's Knock bronze in long jump (PHOTOS)

DES MOINES – After earning seventh place in the long jump at the Drake Relays, Morgan Knock wasn't sure he had even qualified for the event at the Class 2A meet at all after the state-qualifying meet.

Not only did he get in with an at-large bid, but he got to share his previous Blue Oval experience with newcomer Jack Haren as the Aplington-Parkersburg duo competed on Thursday. Knock landed a 21 foot, 6.5 inch leap for third place and Haren finished 12th with a best jump of 20-2.25.

Knock was seeded 22nd in the event, but qualified for the final at 21-2.75 and got his bronze-winning jump on his second attempt in the finals.

"I didn't know what to expect after districts," Knock said. "I was jumping good again, so I was happy with it. Hitting 21-2 did a lot for my confidence."

Haren beat his seeding too, entering with a 13th-place ranking but hitting his best jump on his first attempt at Drake Stadium.

"I was excited to be here," Haren said. "It's a good first experience to be down here and I just wanted to relax and go jump."

Aplington-Parkersburg: Day 1

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Aplington-Parkersburg: Day 2

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Aplington-Parkersburg: Day 3

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