The natural talent has been there for a long time - so long, in fact, that Trevor Yedoni doesn't remember when it first became evident.

The Benilde-St. Margaret's senior is the state's top high jumper. He won the Class 2A state championship in the event last year with a leap of 6-10, just three inches shy of the MSHSL state record of 7-1.

That record has stood since 1973, when Rochester's Rod Raver cleared that height during the state meet.

Many have approached the mark -- Chaska's Jon Markuson even tied it in 1993 -- but no Minnesota high school jumper has ever bettered it.

Which is precisely what drives Yedoni, who signed with the University of Minnesota in February.

Q How important is setting a new state record to you?

A That's what I'm going after. My goal is to go 7-1¼. It doesn't matter where. I just want to hit it.

Q When did you first realize that you could jump higher than most of your peers?

A I'm not sure. I think I've always been a pretty good leaper. When I was in seventh grade, I was the kid who was jumping up, grabbing the [basketball] rim. I was a goalie in soccer and I was always able to get up and block the high passes and shots.

Q There has to be more to it than just natural ability. What else does it take to be a good high jumper?

A It takes a lot of hard work. I worked out at a lot of summer camps, and I've been working out in the weight room and trying to get my form down.

Q Being a leaper can translate well to other sports like basketball. Do you compete in anything else?

A I think my sophomore year was my last year playing basketball. I could jump, but the skills weren't really there. I was a goalie in soccer

Q When did high jumping enter the picture?

A In my sophomore year, I went out and I jumped 6-8. That was pretty good for my first time.

Q Were you surprised that you did that well?

A Yeah, it was quite a surprise. It was a cold day, and I didn't feel that great. But I just went out and I popped it. That was my first competition and people realized what I could do.

Q What else do you do in track?

A I do the long jump. They kind of go hand-in-hand.

Q If you could write the script for this season, how would it go?

A I want to get that record refreshed. It's been a long time. I also would like to win the state long jump [title].

Q You were entered in the long jump in the Class 2A state meet last year but it didn't turn out so well. What happened?

A I was seeded first but I scratched on all three tires.

Q Why?

A I'm not sure. I think it was adrenaline more than anything else. I even moved my approach back about 6 feet, and I still scratched by about one-eighth of an inch.

Q What are your goals after high school?

A I can't wait for college. After that, possibly the Olympics. I know that's a lofty goal, but you have, to have big goals, right?

JIM PAULSEN