CRANBERRY TWP — Courtney Alexander's jumping acumen has Our Lady of the Sacred Heart track coach Bob Berg stumping for new jumping equipment.

The Chargers' current setup isn't tailored to her skill set.

Alexander, a Cranberry Township resident, set the school record and won the WPIAL Class AA championship in the high jump with a leap of 5 feet, 3 inches Thursday at Baldwin High School.

“We do have a jump pit at the school, but we limit her to 4-6 because she would jump out of the pit,” Berg said. “It's kind of old and in the back of the gym. We're hoping to remedy that for next year.”

Winning WPIALs allowed Alexander to qualify for the PIAA meet — which will be held Friday and Saturday at Shippensburg University — for the second straight season.

Being resourceful has allowed Alexander to get some practice time.

During the last two weeks of the season, she went over to Chartiers Valley to work with one of its coaches.

Alexander estimated she usually gets to practice jumping once a week.

“When we practice, I don't usually jump,” said Alexander, a 5-foot-9 junior. “We have a small mat in the back, but it's not a high jump mat. We'll do really short heights, 4-2 or 4-4, because it's super dangerous.”

Alexander, who also plays basketball and volleyball, joined the track team during her freshman year.

She originally was going to try running, but her volleyball background helped draw her to the field events.

“I can jump a little bit,” Alexander said. “One of the coaches said 'Why don't you try all three jumps?'. I think I'm better at the high jump.”

As she matured physically, Alexander grew four inches and she's seen increased results.

Alexander placed fourth at WPIALs last season, earning a state qualifying bid by clearing 4-10. She was eliminated at the same height during the PIAA meet.

“I think it's having to bend back to get over the bar and have that flexibility,” Alexander said. “When I was shorter, I didn't have that skill.”

Alexander was never sure how that skill would translate to the meets.

Practicing at lower heights, then competing against girls with more experience was a daunting task.

Alexander started to feel comfortable when she broke through at a dual meet last season.

“I get pretty nervous because the first time I got over 5 feet was at one of those invites,” Alexander said. “I didn't realize I could go that high at a real meet. I didn't know how to keep going.”

Alexander has kept going and found some facilities and coaches to help her improve.

Now, she's looking to get over the next hurdle at states.

“I didn't get over the first height,” Alexander said. “Getting over two heights would be amazing.”

Berg doesn't think Alexander will stop there.

“I could see her jumping a lot higher than that,” Berg said. “She has the physique, build and the attitude.”