In only one yr of competing on the NCAA degree, Jaydon Hibbert has etched his title into the annals of collegiate monitor and area historical past.
The 19-year-old sophomore from the College of Arkansas made historical past by turning into the youngest recipient of the distinguished Bowerman Award, solidifying his standing as the best collegiate jumper of all time.
Hibbert’s exceptional journey to greatness included an unbeaten streak within the Triple Bounce on the NCAA degree in 2023. He not solely secured victory in each competitors but additionally set new collegiate data, each indoors and outside.
The spotlight of Hibbert’s season got here on the SEC Outside Championships on Could 13, the place he leaped to a exceptional distance of 17.87 meters, establishing a brand new World U-20 document and incomes a gold medal. He continued his profitable streak by claiming high honors on the NCAA Outside Championships in June, following earlier victories on the SEC and NCAA Indoor Championships in February and March.
Profound influence
Travis Geopfert, the affiliate head coach on the College of Arkansas, emphasised the profound influence of Hibbert’s performances on the NCAA monitor and area panorama. He expressed, “His stamp on the historical past of NCAA Observe & Discipline is already there in a really brief time period. That, we’re going to ceaselessly have a good time. His title is within the historical past books ceaselessly, and I’m excited for that to proceed on the world stage as properly.”
Chris Buckman, the top coach of Arkansas males’s monitor and area staff, additionally shared his sentiments on Hibbert’s resolution to show skilled. He acknowledged, “We’re so happy with Jaydon and all he’s completed right here as a Razorback in such a brief time period. We’re simply actually, actually blissful that he’s capable of take this subsequent step and go to the following degree. It actually provides us a way of satisfaction and satisfaction. I want him nothing however the very best.”
Jaydon Hibbert has chosen to embark on his skilled profession whereas persevering with his collegiate schooling at Arkansas. He’ll obtain steerage and coaching underneath the watchful eye of Coach Geopfert, who is keen to witness Hibbert’s potential on the highest degree of competitors.
Pleasure for Hibbert’s future
Geopfert expressed his pleasure for Hibbert’s future, saying, “I’m tremendous excited for him. It’s an amazing alternative that he’s earned, and I’m actually excited for the work that he’s put in already this yr and the way that’s going to repay going ahead. The expertise that I’ve been lucky to have working with a number of skilled athletes through the years, I’m excited for the setup we now have right here for ‘Hibby’ to make a easy transition to the skilled ranks.”
Trying forward, Hibbert’s main focus for the yr will likely be on the outside season, based on Coach Geopfert. He anticipates that Hibbert’s elevated power and velocity, mixed with technical refinements, will yield spectacular outcomes. One particular space of enchancment will likely be Hibbert’s method to the board, the place he’ll transition to a full run-up, doubtlessly resulting in even larger achievements.
Coach Geopfert additionally counseled Hibbert for his resolution to stay in class regardless of turning skilled. “I’m actually happy with him for staying grounded and staying in class. It’s a terrific alternative, and I’m excited for what’s to come back this yr,” Geopfert remarked, highlighting Hibbert’s dedication to each his sport and his schooling.
