I know Ed, Great guy, still looks like he could jump.
Some of the Small towns have really good coaches and programs, club track is becoming pretty big as well allowing kids to compete year round.
There is so much technique involved especially in the field events that can give kids a gigantic edge so if they have physical ability they can really perform at a very high level.
He went to the 1996 Olympics in the HJ. Still has the 1A state LJ record, IIRC. Shane Lavy (from the micropolis of Glasco, KS) who went on to jump at Nebraska has the current 1A record for HJ.
Technique is incredibly important in field events.