Cyclone Jumpers Have Sights Set

AMES, Iowa- Iowa State triple jumper Akeem Holmes and long jumper Teddy Lampkin have started off the indoor season strong in their respective events. They are looking forward to doing big things at the Big 12 Indoor Track & Field Championships Friday and Saturday in College Station, Texas.

Iowa State jumps coach Pete Herber has been pleased with the duo's performance and has faith in his jumpers to have big conference performances.

"Overall, they have been doing well and have been constantly improving," said Herber.

Holmes and Lampkin were both happy with their performance at the Iowa State Classic Feb. 10-11, which was held in Ames. They both mentioned they are looking to build on those efforts and take even bigger strides at the Big 12 meet.

Holmes set his indoor personal best with a triple jump of 50-01.75 on Feb. 11.

"Well I kind of expected it coming in," Holmes said. "I have set some big numbers as goals and I have high expectations of myself. As everything comes together the numbers will be there."

Lampkin captured the title in the Cyclone Classic men's long jump with a mark of 23-10.00.

"I feel great about it," Lampkin said. "My jumps all season have been pretty consistent and once I master my technique I feel like I will be able to pop a big one."

In talking week's preparation leading up to the indoor championships, the Cyclones say they look forward using the time to get the kinks out and re-focus.

"We are looking forward to getting healthy and getting prepared to compete with Big 12 competition," Herber said. "We have refueled in practice and are ready to get right back to it."

Holmes and Lampkin concur.

"It's just week-in and week-out action," Holmes said. "We got a week off last week we are ready to head down to Texas A&M for Big 12 Championships."

"I mainly want to work on my runway approach and make sure I am running off the floor well," said Lampkin.

Lampkin and Holmes say they are anxious to compete against the Big 12's best jumpers.
"There are already a couple of favorites," Holmes said. "If we can put something together we might shock a lot of people."

Lampkin, who is a true freshman, is looking forward to the challenge of competing at the Big 12 meet.

"The Big 12 has some great jumpers so I am excited to compete against them and see how well I can match up with them," said Lampkin.

The Big 12 men's long jump competition is Friday at 7 p.m. and the Big 12 men's triple jump is Saturday at 5 p.m.