Upbeat, humble Xavier Santiago capping off historic career as Onaway high jumper

ONAWAY – Long after Xavier Santiago captured a third consecutive regional title in the boys high jump last Friday, the Onaway senior was in his usual good spirits.

That means smiling, interacting with teammates, coaches and others, and simply just taking it all in.

But when you’re as upbeat as Santiago, usually good things happen. That’s been the case throughout an extraordinary career for an athlete who’s broken his own school record multiple times since an epic 6-7 jump at East Jordan that set everything in motion last year.

“It’s a blessing,” Santiago said of his success as a jumper. “I was put into this position for a reason, and I have a God given talent. I love it. It means the world, it really does.”

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Ironically, Santiago wasn’t even sure if he wanted to continue as a high jumper entering last season, but with a little persuasion from Onaway coach Marty Mix, he decided to stick with it. It ended up being the right choice for Santiago, an all-stater who's jumped 6-8 ½ and 6-10 in meets as a senior.

But for Santiago, East Jordan was always the turning point in his career. That night, a highly entertained crowd took in the thrilling show they were watching and cheered with joy.

“That jump was my starting ground, and then things started to get real and challenging,” Santiago said. “(Jumping) 6-7 at regionals last year was kind of like, ‘OK, we’re seeing a little bit more,’ and then this season starts, and I break it in the second meet again with a 6-8 ½ jump, and that’s when I was like we’re going somewhere with this.”

But to reach incredible heights like Santiago has, it’s been all about believing in himself and maintaining focus no matter the situation, something Mix praised the talented jumper for.

“I think one of our biggest things we’ve really focused on is mental health and honestly staying humble,” Mix said. “Everybody can see he’s been blessed with talent, but what they don’t see is the hard work he puts in behind the scenes, and I think the biggest thing for him is there’s a lot of humility that comes with that, in the right way, an appreciation for the sport itself, and appreciation for everybody else that’s encouraging him.”

Santiago will have a chance to earn all-state again or win a title when he returns to the MHSAA Division 4 finals in Hudsonville. But the journey won’t be over for Santiago, who’s currently weighing his options on where he’ll jump next. He’s thrilled about the jumping part, but there’s something even more important he’s looking forward to.

“I have to say I’m extremely excited for the academics part of (college),” Santiago said. “I’m beyond ready to tackle my major (nursing).”

While Santiago won’t be jumping for Onaway after June 1, he hopes his positive impact on the program will inspire younger athletes and make them believe they’re capable of something special as well.

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“I think it’s definitely going to bring a lot more successful kids into track and field when it comes to Onaway sports, and maybe even around the district, too,” Santiago said.

Contact sports editor Jared Greenleaf at jgreenleaf@gannett.com. Follow him on X, formerly known as Twitter @sportsCDT

This article originally appeared on Cheboygan Daily Tribune: Positive vibes playing major role in success of Onaway high jumper Santiago