BROOKVILLE — There are several differences between Tanner Merwin and Hayden Smith.

Merwin is a senior at A-C Valley, Smith a freshman at Union.

They excel in the long jump and high jump, respectively, but now are linked by a common achievement — winning a District 9 title.

Merwin posted a personal-best jump of 21 feet, 11 inches Friday at the Class 2A championship meet at Brookville High School.

Earlier in the day, Smith grabbed a gold medal by leaping six feet, four inches.

Both athletes will compete at next Friday's state championship meet.

“Our school has just five athletes total, boys and girls, competing here today,” Merwin said. “To win a title, this means a lot to me.

“I knew I could do it, I just had to bring it today.”

A-C Valley jumping coach Shanna Tharan was pleased to see Merwin's dedication pay off in a big way.

“He's one of the hardest-working kids I've had,” she said. “Everything came together for him today.”

Merwin has earned for himself one more meet to reach another goal.

“I was going for the school record (22-5) today,” he said. “I have one more chance to get it.”

Tharan isn't betting against him.

“It's there for him,” she said. “His best jump today came from a foot behind the board. He's capable of jumping 22.”

Smith had no experience in the high jump prior to this season, but it seems he was made for the event.

“I've always loved jumping. I'm on the varsity basketball team and am always practicing dunking the ball,” he said.

Smith's 6-4 beat out Johnsonburg's RJ Miller, who managed 6-3.

The latter had already broken Union's school record that had stood for 37 years when he jumped 6-5 earlier this season.

Union coach Geri Montgomery believes Smith has all the tools to turn in an incredible high school career.

“It's the fear with all young jumpers, coming out and jumping without a purpose,” she said. “But Hayden takes it seriously. He has natural ability and is like a sponge, watches videos at home to make himself better.”

Nerves may be a factor for some freshman, but Smith is not affected by them.

“I just try to stay calm,” he said. “I haven't lost in the high jump all season.”

Moniteau senior David Stamm was one of several Butler County-area athletes to make the state meet by placing second.

He did so in the javelin with a throw of 178-4 after entering the meet ranked first in the district at 172-7.

Brookville's Kyle MacBeth won the title with a 179-6.

“I improved on my best throw and I'm not focused on not winning today,” Stamm said. “I'm focused on getting to states and am looking forward to it.”