Colorado University Athletics
Jones Takes Second At UW Invite
SEATTLE GÇö University of Colorado senior Mark Jones recorded a second place finish in the high jump at the UW Invite on Saturday, clearing 7 feet, 1 inch.
GÇ£Mark did especially well yet again,GÇ¥ assistant coach Lindsey Malone said. GÇ£IGÇÖm excited because each week he is technically putting together better jumps and heGÇÖs going up almost an inch per week, which is exciting. Today he had amazing attempts at 7-2.25, and we thought he had his last attempt, but the bar shook itself off after a minute.GÇ¥
The UW Invite is a meet full of talent with some of the nationGÇÖs best coming to compete. There were 20 participants in the high jump and only Jones and Mason jumped over seven feet. He was the top performing collegiate athlete at the meet. Michael Mason, who is competing professionally, jumped 7-3.25 for the win. JonesGÇÖ jump is currently tied for 13th in the NCAA Division I.
GÇ£This is the biggest competition IGÇÖve been to this season,GÇ¥ Jones said. GÇ£I had a little more adrenaline going today and was a little more nervous. Once you get over seven feet, you get the feeling of what it should feel like and you can replicate that. IGÇÖm just trying to get a little more consistent in my jumps. I donGÇÖt want to see any marks below six feet anymore.GÇ¥
Jones entered the meet at 6-6.75, which he cleared on his first attempt. He got over 6-8.75 on his second try before sailing over 6-10.75 on his first jump. It took all three tries for Jones to make it over 6-11.75 and 7-1.
GÇ£ItGÇÖs always challenging in the vertical jumping events,GÇ¥ Malone explained. GÇ£You are looking at your PR. Pole vault and high jump are the only two events in track and field where you are staring down what will be your best of the season, your all-time best when you are competing. You canGÇÖt do that in shot put, long jump or any other track and field event.
GÇ£Mark has done a very good job of cleaning up his technique; we are still working on some technical gains to get back with his new strength and power that he has this year. When this all comes together, I think itGÇÖs going to be a very exciting time in MarkGÇÖs career. IGÇÖm hoping that it can come together over the course of the next several weeks so we can have that enjoyment during this indoor season.GÇ¥
The Summit, N.J. native isnGÇÖt a stranger to jumping over seven feet as his PR is 7-7.25, which ranks third in CU history. He is one of seven Buffs who have jumped over seven feet. Prior to todayGÇÖs meet, his season best mark had been 7-0.25, which he did at the Air Force Invite on Jan. 24.
2015 UNIVERSITY OF WASHINGTON INVITATIONAL
Dempsey Indoor (Seattle, Wash.)
MenGÇÖs High Jump
(1. Michael Mason, Valley Royals, 7-3.25/2.22m) 2. Mark Jones, 7-1/2.16m