MOUNT DORA, Fla. — Winning a state championship sometimes feels like you need to bend over backwards. But it was that stretch that helped Tanner Schick to a state title.

"I stretch out like every day. I stretch at the beginning of practice during the day and at night. I stretch a lot," said Schick. "You have to be very flexible to get over the bar in your form."

Schick got his start in high jumping at a meet in eighth grade when a friend suggested giving it a try.

"My friend told me to do it and it was really fun, so I started taking it more seriously the next year and kept doing it the next year," he said.

Ever since then, Schick has believed he could achieve new heights in the sport, but still wants to do more in his senior year.

"I say win states again because that was really fun," said Schick. "I love that feeling."

When walking in Mount Dora Academy's Tom Jett Field at Bulldog Stadium, there is a list of the track and field records. Schick has his eye on the high jump record that was set at 6'10" in 1983. It's one of the oldest records that still stands. He is confident that he will be able to break that record in his final season.

"I see a record that is going to be broken," he said. "It’s probably the hardest to beat on the board, but I’m determined to do it."

And ever since Schick listened to his friend to give high jump a try, it’s that same message he gives to younger track and field athletes.

"It’s really fun, just give it a try and maybe you will like it and will start wanting to do it, because I didn’t know I was going to do this in my senior year," said Schick.

The 1A Track and Field State Championship will be May 10 in Jacksonville.