Tim White Of COC Jumps 53 feet To Secure National Championship

Posted by: KHTS FM 98.1 & AM 1220 in Santa Clarita Sports June 20, 2013 - 4:21 pm 0 135 Views

The College of the Canyons track and field received exciting news this afternoon as freshman Tim White had won the triple jump at the U.S. Junior Outdoor Track and Field Championship in Des Moines, Iowa.

White set a school-record with a 53 foot-1 inch leap on his second attempt.

White remained undefeated in the triple jump event this year by beating a field of 15 athletes, including several from Division-1 programs. The freshman jumped 1 ½ feet farther than second-place finisher Felix Obi of Baylor University.

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In regards to White’s mindset going into the jump, the one word that he reiterated was focus.

“I was determined to do my best, so I never lost my focus,” White said.

While White initially knew that his mark was going to be tough to beat, he knew not to get overconfident.

White added that he wanted to prove that junior college athletes can compete directly with Division-1 athletes. His message was definitely received after his performance at the U.S. Junior Outdoor Track and Field Championship.

“I was excited to be able to represent College of the Canyons at this event,” White said.

With his outstanding performance, White has now been invited to the 2013 Pan Am Junior Championships on August 23-25 in Colombia. Several countries send their finest track and field athletes to these prestigious games. If White accepts the invitation, he would be the first COC athlete to attend.

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Still unsure if he will accept the offer, White will take some time to decide if he will go. Regardless, it is clear that he made a statement for COC and junior colleges everywhere.

“I’m proud of the way I was able to compete and come out on top in such a big event,” White said.

White views this whole event as a positive learning experience that helped him grow as an athlete.

He plans to transfer out after two years at COC to continue both his athletic and academic endeavors. White is unsure of what school he will attend, but is clear that track and field will continue to play a huge role in his life.