West Side's Jonvae Johnson, middle, was third in the 100-meter finals at Saturday's state track meet.

West Side's Lonnie Johnson played a large part in the Cougars' state championship. He won long jump (23 feet, 6 inches) and helped the 400-meter relay team win.

West Side's Lonnie Johnson makes a hard landing during the finals of the long jump at Saturday's state finals. He won the title.

West Side's Lonnie Johnson won the state long jump title at Saturday's IHSAA state fianls. He also ran a leg on the winning 400-meter relay team.

LOWELL | Brian Blaylock is a little like Alexander the Great, who wept after all of his blood and success because there were "no more worlds to conquer."

In an event where progress is typically measured in inches, Luke Cota's shot putting improvement this season has been measured in larger increments.