PERSONAL RECORDS:
Long jump 26’ 6 1/2"
Triple jump 51’4"
High jump 6’ 7 1/2"
100 yd. dash 10.20 (electronic)
10.0 (hand)
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Age: 44 PERSONAL RECORDS: Long jump 26’ 6 1/2" Triple jump 51’4" High jump 6’ 7 1/2" 100 yd. dash 10.20 (electronic) 10.0 (hand) |
When Did You Start Competing? I started long and high jumping and running the 50 yard dash in 7th grade. I started triple jumping in college.
What Are Some Of Your Accomplishments?
I took 6th place in the long jump at state in high school. I was a three-time Big Sky Conference Champion (‘79 Indoor triple jump and ‘81 Indoor and Outdoor long jump) at Northern Arizona University. In 1985, I ranked as high as #6 on the U.S. list and #8 on the World List in the long jump. I have won six National Masters titles in the long and triple jumps. I have led the world in my age group in the long jump in Masters Competition, and have won 19 golds and one silver in the Sunflower and Show-Me State Games. I am also a 29-time Masters All-American in the long and triple jump.
Who Has Influenced You Most In Your Career?
Bob Beamon. I was 9 when he jumped 29’2" in 1968. I admired him as a person and athlete and tried to live my life based on his modest and humble outlook on life. I decided I wanted to become a great long jumper as well as a nice human being. (Newsletter Editor’s note: He IS a nice person - every time I see him he has a great, big smile!)
Personal Info and Interests:
I transferred from Flagstaff, Arizona to Independence, Missouri in 1982 with Ramada Inn to manage a hotel. Once in the K.C. area I joined the Kansas City Track Club and competed as an elite jumper. I also became a model, appearing on the covers of seven Hallmark Greeting Cards. I met my wife, Andrea, in K.C. in 1992, and we moved to Columbia in 1994. I’m presently employed by the Columbia School District where I’ve worked with special needs children since 1995. I’m a vintage auto collector and help officiate track meets at MU. I also give tips to MU jumpers, and I am a personal horizontal jump coach. Andrea and I have two wonderful daughters, Amina, 9, and Alexa, 6, who are sprinters and jumpers on the CTC Colts team.