University of Houston Athletics
Pleased, But Not Satisfied
5/28/2004 12:00:00 AM | Track and Field
May 28, 2004
College Station, Texas - University of Houston freshman high jumper Tristian Whitely had some mixed emotions following the high jump at the NCAA Midwest Regional Championships.
"I am pleased with my performance this season, but I was hoping to do better today," Whitely said. "I have jumped over seven feet at every meet this year and improved my personal best twice this year to 7' 2 ?" (2.20 meters) and I am happy about that, but I was hoping to qualify for the NCAA Championships."
His hopes ended when he missed his third attempt trying to clear 7'2 ?" at the NCAA Midwest Regional meet at the Frank G. Anderson Track and Field Complex in College Station, Texas on Friday, May 28.
Kyle Lancaster of Kansas State won the high jump and set a new meet record after clearing 7' 4?" (2.25 meters). Kevin Netzer of Minnesota finished in second place after clearing 7' 3?" (2.22 meters). UTEP's Henderson Dottin and SMU's Mickael Hannany tied for third place with a mark of 7'2?" (2.19 meters). Whitely was one of eight competitors who cleared 7'1" (2.16 meters).
Andrea Manson of Texas finished in fifth place after clearing the bar on his first attempt. John Albert of Minnesota finished in sixth place and Whitley ended the meet in seventh place.
"I felt like I performed all right today," Whitely said. "It just wasn't my best. I was hoping to establish a new personal best today. I know that I am not always going to better my best jumps every meet. It would have been nice to have finished among the top five competitors and advance to the NCAA Championships."
Instead, Whitley will begin training for the 2005 season when he hopes to reach even greater heights in the event.
"I need to make my approach flawless and improve my ability to take it up more rather than going down over the bar," Whitley said.
Whitely came to Houston this year after winning the high jump at the Texas Class 3A State Championships with a clearance of seven feet.
He also was a three-time Region III-3A and District 22-3A high jump champion. He also earned All-District and Academic All-District honors as a small forward for Coldspring High School's basketball team. In addition, he served as the president of his class, Student Council and the student body. He also was named Homecoming King and Mr. Coldspring High School.
