Ford a First Team All-American in High Jump

EUGENE, Oregon – For the first time in over 30 years, Iowa State has a First Team All-American in the outdoor high jump as Jalen Ford finished sixth in the event Friday at the NCAA Outdoor Championships. Ford posted a best clearance of 6-11 3/4 to become the first Cyclone to garner First Team All-America honors in the event since Brian Tietjens won the national title in 1985.

Ford's finish also brought home three team points for the Cyclones, tying ISU for 65th place finish in the team standings.

Wet and overcast conditions made for a more difficult approach for the jumpers. Ford was a prime example of that at the first height, 6-9 3/4, where he had a close miss on his first try and had to abort on his second attempt. His third try saw him clip the bar, but it was able to stick around and he got to live another day.

The nerves were gone at 6-11 3/4 as, with a helper from the crowd, Ford cleared the height on his first try with only minimal contact with the bar. With conditions going from overcast to rainy to sunny to overcast again throughout the round, the field was cut by almost half, as just 12 made it to the third height.

With his early spot in the jump order and a first-attempt clearance, Ford had a lot of time to ponder his next challenge, 7-1 3/4. Having just broken the 7-foot barrier two weeks ago at NCAA West Prelims, this challenge would be a 1.25 inch increase over his personal best from in Austin. This proved to be a height too much, as he failed on all three of his attempts.

However, his clean jump at 6-11 3/4 brought him to a final standing of sixth place, becoming just the fourth Cyclone to earn First Team All-America honors outdoors in the men's high jump.

Up Next
Jhoanmy Luque will take part in tomorrow's women's triple jump competition, starting at 5:40 p.m. Central Time. Live coverage will be provided online via WatchESPN/ESPN3.

Men's Team Standings
1. Florida - 61 Points; T-65. Iowa State - 3 Points

Iowa State Results
High Jump (M): 1. Christoff Bryan, Kansas State – 7-3; 6. Jalen Ford, Iowa State – 6-11 3/4