Leon Fowler Claims Long Jump Title at IHSAA State Championships

Every spring, Steele Stadium hosts The Classic at Mishawaka, a prominent boys track and field meet that showcases many regional athletes. At the 2025 event, then-sophomore Leon Fowler was not selected among Mishawaka's top three long jumpers. However, just over a year later, it would be unthinkable to exclude him from any long jump competition in Indiana or the Midwest.

On June 6, at North Central High School in Indianapolis, Fowler validated his claims of being the top long jumper in Indiana, achieving a remarkable jump of 24 feet and 6 inches, which narrowly missed breaking the state record of 24 feet 7.75 inches held by Frank Young from 1995. His victory not only earned him a state championship but also made him the first Mishawaka boys track and field athlete to win a state title since Nicholas Banke claimed the discus championship in 2009. The last Caveman to win the long jump state title was Franklin Kristl in 1936.

“Unbelievable,” Fowler stated in a phone interview after his win. “God was on my side … It’s giving, ‘Long jump is back at Mishawaka.’ If you know you’re special, then you’re special.” Before each competition, Fowler prays for guidance and health, dedicating his win to his grandmother, who passed away in 2024 after battling cancer.

Fowler's determination and confidence, which he refers to as “kill mode,” caught the attention of Mishawaka assistant coach Shane Jodway toward the end of the 2025 season. Last year, Fowler finished 17th at the state finals with a jump of 21 feet 10.75 inches. His significant improvement of nearly three feet in just over a year positions him as a strong contender for another championship next season.

Aiming even higher, Fowler is not only looking to set a new state record but also to surpass the national record of 26 feet 10 inches established by future NFL star Marquise Goodwin in 2009. With his exceptional talent and confidence, he is determined to achieve these goals. “I have to work harder than I did this year,” Fowler said, expressing his aspiration to compete in the Olympics after high school.

Head coach Kyle Shaw noted that Fowler's mindset and dedication, even shortly after his championship win, are what make him a remarkable athlete. “He’s always had the physical attributes, the speed, the jumping ability and the technique,” Shaw explained. “His mental preparation and confidence have really developed and allowed him to achieve this.”

Elkhart's Alonzo Newbern also stood out during the event, finishing second in the 200-meter dash with a time of 21.42 seconds, just 0.28 seconds shy of becoming the first state champion from an Elkhart school since 2004. His twin brother, Alfonzo, secured fifth place in the 100-meter dash.

Overall, Northridge emerged as the top local team with 14 points, finishing 16th overall, while individual achievements included Baylor Miller placing fourth in the 800-meter run and Jaden Fisher securing eighth in the 400-meter dash.