Erik Kynard went on three college recruiting trips this fall.

He visited Ohio State. He took a trip to the University of Arkansas. He went to Kansas State University.

The defending Division I state high jump champion and lone prep athlete to compete in the 2008 Olympic Trials high jump competition knew after the three college visits where he would like to spend his collegiate years.

The limber and lanky 6-foot-5 Kynard opted to pass on his home state's university and the NCAA's top track and field program to attend Kansas State.

"It is Kansas State," said Kynard, who recently verbally committed to the Big 12 university located in Manhattan, Kan.

The choice for a college by the Rogers senior was well-thought out with his No. 1 desire being to find the best place to enhance his high-jumping skills. Kansas State and its track coach, Cliff Rovelto, met those requirements.

Rovelto is revered as one of the best high jump coaches in the world. Four of his high jump pupils competed in the 2008 Olympic

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