Jessica Remer followed in the footsteps of her older sisters as an all-conference volleyball and basketball player at Sacred Heart High School.
In the spring, however, there’s been a parting of the ways.
Whereas older sisters Stacy and Michele Remer were fastpitch softball standouts, Jessica Remer has found her niche in track.
“I had to break the mold,’’ Jessica Remer said.
“I don’t like softball. I tried it. I thought it was boring. So I tried track and I liked it a lot. I’m glad I’ve stuck with it.’’
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The senior was a winner Friday at the East Grand Forks Senior High Invitational. Competing for the Climax-Fisher/Sacred Heart co-op team, Jessica Remer matched her personal record with a winning high jump of 5 feet.
“I didn’t hit 5 feet until the subsection meet at the end of last season,’’ Remer said. “I’d like to be hitting 5 feet or better at the section meet this year. That would be ideal.’’
Climax-Fisher/Sacred Heart track coach Tim Brooke said Remer could have been a good softball player like her sisters. “Jess would have been a good shortstop,’’ Brooks said. “She’s just a great all-around athlete. But we’re so happy to have her with us.
“She’s very strong, with very powerful legs. She’s an explosive jumper. And her technique is great. Faith (Dooley, the C-F/SH jumping coach) does a great job.’’
Remer isn’t strictly a jumper. She runs the 400 and 800, as well as some relays. The senior wants to try throwing the shot put.
“I like track,’’ said Remer, who has signed to play volleyball at St. Scholastica in Duluth. “There’s so much to do. And there’s always something going on. If I’m not competing, there’s so much to watch.’’
But the high jump is her favorite event. “When you’re going over the bar, and you feel the form is good, you just feel good,’’ she said.
While Remer was runner-up at the subsection meet with a PR last season, she finished fourth in the Section 8A meet, clearing only 4-8. The top two finishers, both with 4-10 jumps, earned state meet berths.
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“It was a disappointment for Jess that she didn’t qualify last year,’’ Brooke said. “I think she has the potential to get to state this year.’’
