By: by Scott Lipsky
Final Results
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – Senior jumper Jerome McKinzie finished in a tie for 17th in the high jump at the NCAA Indoor Track and Field National Championships on Saturday, clearing the bar on his first jump of the competition, at a height of 6’10.25”.
The first Owl in any sport to compete in an NCAA Division I individual national championship, McKinzie was one of just 18 high jumpers in the entire country to be invited to nationals, held at the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville, coming in with a qualifying jump of 7’2.5” (2.20 meters). He was the only Atlantic Sun Conference athlete in the championship, either male or female, and out of the 18 jumpers competing for the championship, he was one of just two to come from a school outside of one of the six major conferences (SEC, ACC, Big East, Big 12, Big Ten, Pac 10).
McKinzie’s quest for a national championship and All-American recognition fell short when he didn’t clear the bar on his attempt at 7’0.25” (2.14 meters).
"I'm certainly disappointed that it didn't go better for Jerome, but i'm not disappointed in him," said Owls jumps coach Mike Goss. "This weekend was a very positive experience, and to compete here is just at a whole different level than usual. He's looking forward to getting into shape for outdoor season and getting redemption."
Indiana’s Derek Drouin took home the national title, clearing 7’5.75” (2.28 meters) to win the championship.
McKinzie, the four-time A-Sun indoor champion in the high jump, will have one more crack at a national championship when he attempts to qualify for the NCAA Outdoor Track and Field Championships in Eugene, Ore., when he begins his outdoor track season later this month.
