Since his first leap as a junior last year, Parkrose High School track and field senior De’Vontae Hillman has proven to be a natural in the pit.

So it’s not too surprising that Hillman set a personal record by about 2.5 feet in the long jump when he took to the pit at the Nike/Jesuit Twilight Relays on April 25 at Jesuit High School.

Hillman entered with a top mark of 20 feet, 6.5 inches, placing him in the second of four flights, a spot that usually doesn’t see many make it to the finals.

Instead, Hillman had a leap of 22-11.75 on his second jump to secure a spot in the finals. And on his final jump, the Bronco lept to a 23-1.75 mark to ultimately win the long jump title over some of the best in the state regardless of classification.

“I was definitely excited, PRed by three feet today,” Hillman said. “I was really just feeling it today. When I stepped on the pit, I just felt like I was gonna get stuff done and that’s what I did.”

While the long jump showing is impressive, the event hasn’t even been the main focus for Hillman during his time on the track and field squad.

Triple jump is where Hillman really exceeded last year as a junior, making it to state easily and ultimately taking second place inside Hayward Field in Class 5A.

Hillman entered the Twilight Relays this year with the best mark in the state in the triple jump at a PR mark of 46-10, which he set earlier this year on April 15.

However, Hillman didn’t quite pull out the win, taking second place in some tough conditions as the event didn’t really get going until the sun was setting and bringing about a chill on the Jesuit track.

Still, Hillman’s 46-10 triple jump mark is the second best in the state this year, regardless of classification, and is first in 5A by six inches. And his long jump number of 23-1.75 is third in the state, first in 5A by 5.25 inches.

Seeing the success in the long jump at the Twilight Relays certainly provides confidence that he could go for a double come state time.

“It definitely helps, it definitely shows that even though I do doubt myself, all the belief people put into me is the truth,” Hillman said. “If I work hard enough, I can get to it. I can accomplish many things if I just keep pushing.”

Hillman did make state in the long jump as well last season, but was a scratch for the event after taking second in the triple the day prior.

Hillman posted his new PR at the time on his sixth and final jump at the 2024 state meet, reaching 46-8.25 to take over first place. However, Summit’s Noah Goodrich saved his best for last as well and passed Hillman’s mark with a 46-11.75.

Needless to say, it’s provided plenty of inspiration for Hillman in 2025.

“It definitely left a bittersweet taste in my mouth,” Hillman said. “It really just pushes me to be better, I don’t want to ever feel that way again.”

The road to gold will start with the Northwest Oregon Conference district meet May 21-23 at Canby High School, followed by the state meet May 29-31 at Hayward Field in Eugene.

No matter the outcome, Hillman already has his next steps planned as he’s been a standout athlete over the years for the Parkrose football team. He’s committed to play at Western Oregon next year.

Still, Hillman is looking to see if he can add jumps to his spring plans at Western Oregon and stay a two-sport star.

Until then, it’s all about improving in the sport for Hillman who said his goal is to break 47 feet in the triple jump and reach 24 feet in the long jump.

“I’m just so happy I’m still out here competing, people pushing me to be my best as well as me pushing them,” Hillman said of his goals to end the year. “Just jump as far as I can, work as hard as I can.”