Madoski did not feel like he was at his best heading into the Trans Valley League Relays at Escalon High last Wednesday, March 19.

The Indians senior left the meet on cloud 9 while carrying a new school record in the high jump that has him ranked among the best in the state.

Madoski overcame a rocky start in which he scratched twice 5 feet, 10 inches, then went on a torrid streak that led the first 6-8 clearance of his career. He was also part of the winning mile relay, helping Ripon win the boys title.

“I was a little tired, and my legs just kind of felt heavy,” Madoski said. “So, I went to an eight-step (approach), which I don’t normally do. I just tried to get more energy from it, and it didn’t pay off at all. I also had a little competition with the Sonora kid, who is a really good high jumper, and I hadn’t really seen a whole lot of that.

“I got kind of flustered and scratched twice at 5-10. I finally cleared it with a really safe jump, and after that, it was just full-steam ahead.”

Madoski cleared each height on the first shot, even at 6-8. With meet high jump title well in hand, he got greedy and went for it at 6-9 and barely clipped the bar it on the second attempt.

“I went back to my regular 10-step, all the heaviness in my legs kind of went away, and people started crowding around. It was an amazing feeling. It was just one jump at a time — got 6-2, then 6-4, and when I got to 6-6 I felt the lightest I felt all year. I felt explosive, and everything from last year just kind of came back to me.”

Madoski originally broke the school record last year at the TVL Finals at 6-6 ½. He also owns the triple jump record of 44-03 established at the same meet. The high jump record was held previously by Trevor Heath (6-6, 1992).

The 6-8 mark has Madoski ranked No. 2 in the Sac-Joaquin Section and tied for fourth in the state, according to Athletic.net.

“My goal was 6-foot-10 at the start of the season,” Madoski said. “I really wanted to get a 6-10, and I think 6-11 is doable now after getting that feeling. So, it’s definitely a dragon I’m going to be chasing the rest of the season.”

His week did not end with the TVL Relays, as he turned in another strong performance Saturday in the Jaguar Invitational at Kimball High, jumping 6-6 for his fourth invitational championship of the season.

“Marcus is a talented all-around athlete,” Ripon coach Jorge Velasco said. “Last year, he came up short in making state, but this year, he has a different sense of confidence and determination. If he stays healthy, he will definitely have a great chance in getting to his goal, jumping at state.”