Lakers vs. WMU
ALLEN WINS TRIPLE JUMP
CHARLOTTE, N.C. - Junior Jonathon Allen became Lake Superior State's first track and field national champion by winning the triple jump Saturday at the NCAA Division II Outdoor Championships held at Johnson C. Smith University.
"Jon had a great meet," LSSU coach Steve Eles said. "He was the best jumper of the field today. It is hard to place in words what this means, but Jon's performances is the biggest moment in Laker track and field history and must be one of the highest points in Laker Athletics."
Allen shattered his previous season best of 15.46 meters by
jumping 16.27 meters (53-4 1/2 ft.) on his third
attempt. Josh Como of California State-Los Angeles finished
second by more that a foot (15.93 meters or 52-3 1/4).
"It was great to see Jon compete like he did today because we
discussed after the indoor meet where Jon placed fourth, and
Jon and myself both new this was possible but for it to actually
happen was fantastic," Eles said. "I know Jon was really prepared
for this competition and this is the best I have seen him compete
this season. Jon is a competitor, and he really raised the bar in
today's competition setting an early tone with his first jumps that
put a great deal of pressure on the favorites to match."
Allen completed six clean jumps at distances of 15.49,
15.66, 16.27, 15.57, 15.85 and 15.99. His second-best attempt would
have also won the title.
"When I had the opportunity to present the awards to the athletes,
Jon said to me that he wanted to win today because it was going to
be my last track meet with him, and that made the day really
special as well," continued Eles, who resigned his position as head
track and field coach last week in order to accept an
administrative position on campus. "This was a great day and a
great way to leave the sport of track and field as a coach. It
makes it a little harder to want to leave the sport but at the same
time it is a great time to do it. Jon is just a junior so next year
LSSU can look forward to Jon doing even larger things."
