Athlete of the week is Copiague's English

The feat

Jumped a personal-best 7-feet in the high jump at the Bob Pratt Invitational at Smithtown West on April 24. It was the highest jump in the state this season, according to Armorytrack.com. He added two subsequent first-place finishes at the invitational with personal bests in the triple jump (47-101/2) and the long jump (22-81/4).

The quote

"I try not to concentrate too hard before the meet, I am pretty nonchalant," English said. "Then right before I jump I focus up and explode off the ground."

Fundamentals

English played basketball most of his life and began track and field as a junior. He qualified for last summer's Junior Olympics, his first year in the sport, and won the high jump (6-71/2) as well as the triple jump (46-9) and long jump in (21-63/4).

What's next

English hopes to compete in track and field in college and remains focused on beating the Long Island record in the high jump before the season ends.

The lightning round

Favorite TV show? "The Game."

Favorite video game? "NBA Live."

Favorite movie? "I, Robot."

What's on your iPod? Jim Jones, Juelz Santana.

Favorite subject? Gym.

Favorite athlete? LeBron James.

Favorite food? Cookies and milk.

Favorite season? Summer.

Where would you like to vacation? The Bahamas.

Dream car? Jaguar.

Dream job? To be a gym teacher.