Oak Park boy finds success in jumping

OVER THE TOP—Aidan Katsenberg makes his personal high jump record of 4 feet, 10 inches at the Santa Barbara College Individual Event Championship for the Valley Youth Conference in June. Aidan Kastenberg loves the excitement he feels when arching his back and sailing over a high bar. The Oak Park 11yearold channeled that emotion into a successful track season last spring, qualifying for the high jump at the Junior Olympics held in Detroit in July.

With a jump of 4 feet 8 inches, Aidan placed 11th out of 40 in his age division. Being among the top high jumpers in the nation was a little nerveracking for Aidan.

"At first I was like, 'I'm ready to do this,' until I got there and started to get a little nervous," said Aidan, who is in seventh grade at A.E. Wright Middle School in Calabasas. "I saw these kids doing so well, and I thought, 'Whoa, I'm not used to that.' Then I realized these are some of the best kids in the country."

But Aidan had had enough experience during three seasons as a member of the Calabasas Cheetahs track club to know that jumping requires more than the physical action.

"It's about technique, but it's also a lot about mindset. You have to be sure of yourself. I always picture myself going over the bar, which is a good thing," Aidan said.

Aidan qualified for the Junior Olympics after winning the Amateur Athletic Union finals in San Ysidro in June. At that meet, Aidan jumped 4 feet 10 inches, his personal record. He holds the Cheetahs' record in the high jump and came in second place at the Valley Youth Conference Individual Event Championship Invitational held at Santa Barbara City College in May.

Aidan's talent may be in his blood because his father, Andy Kastenberg, was a high jumper when he attended Agoura High School. Andy Kastenberg's record was 6 feet 6 inches, said his wife, Grace. Andy Kastenberg coached Aidan as well as other high jumpers with the Cheetahs this past season. Aidan's brothers, Austin, 13, and Ethan, 6, were also on the Cheetahs team.

"My dad kind of got me started. I was like, 'Okay, I'll try this.' It's just something that got my attention," Aidan said. "My dad has helped me a lot."

His stepmother said Aidan is a natural athlete who enjoys surfing, snowboarding and basketball.

"He's just one of these kids who can pick up any sport, just about, and do really well," Grace Kastenberg said.