CHESAPEAKE - T.R. Hannan didn't realize that his dream of jumping in the state track meet would also be an audition.

The former Chesapeake Panthers high jumper finished second in the high jump at the Division III state track meet last spring. In the stands was Morehead State head track coach Bob Stacey, and he liked what he saw.

"(Chesapeake) coach (Phil) Davis talked to (Stacey) and he came to the state meet and watched me. Coach Stacey offered me a scholarship to run for him and I accepted," Hannan said.

Chesapeake coach Phil Davis said Hannan has the ability to excel at the college level.

"T.R. is a hard-working kid. He got better and better the last two years, and I think his best years are ahead of him," said Davis.

The state meet was the culmination of an outstanding season.

Hannan was first in the regional and district track meets as well as winning the Ohio Valley Conference meet's high jump event.

He was All-OVC and All-Southeast District. He also tied the high jump record in the Chesapeake Lions Club Invitational meet and established the Charleston Gazette Relays high jump record for Class A schools.

Hannan's best height was 6-foot-5, but he cleared 6-7 in practice. He said focusing on track should help him become more consistent in his jumps.

"I should be able to go higher than (6-7). Coach Stacey said I could go 6-8 this year," Hannan said.

Stepping up to the college level, he will run during both the winter indoor season and the outdoor program in the spring.

"It should be a lot more intense," Hannan said. "I think it's going to be really tough. I'm not used to it. You run for just a few weeks in high school. It'll be harder on my body. I'll have to stay in shape."

But regardless of how much more difficult college track will be compared to high school, Hannan said choosing Morehead State will make the transition easier.

"The other guys made me feel real comfortable, so I feel like I fit in," Hannan said. "I am nervous to see how everyone else is and how the competition is, but I'm looking forward to it."

Hannan, the son of Tommie Templeton and Richard Hannan, is a graphics engineering major.