AUSTIN — Going into his second jump in the Class 3A boys triple jump at the UIL State Track and Field Championships on Friday, Pittsburg's Kendall Wright was just trying to advance to the finals,also known as making a mark.

The mark he made is something Texas hasn't seen in 17 years.

Wright jumped 50 feet, 83/4 inches to win a state title, repeat as state champion and set a state record. Wright's mark broke the previous Class 3A standard of 50-73/4, set by Atlanta's Dedrick Kidd in 1991.

After he made the jump, he smiled and raised his fist because he cleared 50 feet. After his distance was measured by two tape measures by UIL officials, the distance was posted and Wright received an ovation from the spectators.

''I smiled because I made a personal best,'' Wright said. ''It feels good to set a state record. I'm excited.''

Wright successfully defended a triple-jump title, jumping 48-51/4 last year. Taylor's Mark Jackson came in second with a leap of 49-01/2 on his second attempt. Wright also competed in the 100 meters on Friday, finishing fifth.

Wright set the state record despite a lack of work on the triple jump, and a general dislike of the event.

''I didn't practice the triple jump this week because it was wet. I only practiced the 100 meters,'' Wright said. ''I don't even like doing it. I guess I did it because I got good at it.''

In the 100 meters, Wright had a slow start, but made up ground to finish in 11.00 seconds. Snyder's Kenneth Turner won in 10.61.

Wright is a football signee with Baylor University and was also a basketball standout for a team that advanced to the Class 3A Region II semifinals.

Despite a successful day, Friday remains the end of Wright's track and field career.

''Track at Baylor? I don't want it,'' Wright said.