High Jumpers continue to dominate at Big 12 Conference Championships
May 16, 2011
Ryan Graney, Texas Media Relations Coming into the Big 12 Championships the high jump was supposed to be a strong event for the Texas women. Saturday at John Jacobs Track Complex the trio of Shanay Briscoe Beverly Owoyele and Victoria Lucas did not disappoint. The group went 1-2-3 in the high jump and picked up valuable points for the Longhorn effort. Briscoe, a freshman, claimed her second-consecutive high jump title after winning the indoor conference crown in February. Owoyele PR'd to finish second while Lucas tied for third after winning the title a year ago. The jumpers admit that it helps to have a teammate by their side during competition. "It definitely helps, especially when one of us is off another can pick up their slack," Lucas said. "It's good even going to practice. It's good to not have to work out on your own. We're all really supportive of each other and work hard every day. It's really helpful." While there may be some days where the jumpers need to cover for one another when things aren't going well, each teammate seemed to be up for the task of contributing at the Big 12 Championships. Although finishing first, second and tied for third is quite the accomplishment it's something that the Texas high jumpers are familiar with. Over the last three conference meets, Texas has scored 23.5 points (2011 outdoor), 20.5 points (2011 indoor) and 22 points (2010 outdoor) in the event, going 1-2-3, 1-2-6 and 1-2-5, respectively. "It was great. It was a good feeling," Briscoe said of having the top three jumpers come from Texas. "We were hoping to do that indoors. We're all really excited that it happened." Lucas agreed. "It was obviously something we were all striving for in the high jump," Lucas said. "It was a really big accomplishment. We really needed it coming into today. We put in a lot of hard work and it's awesome that we were able to do it. It's good to see Texas on the podium first, second and third."
With the victory, Briscoe became just the second freshman in conference history to win the indoor and outdoor titles joining former Longhorn Destinee Hooker. Briscoe joins Lucas and Hooker as the athletes who have won the last three Big 12 outdoor high jump titles. Additionally, a Texas athlete has won eight of the 15 high jump titles in the conference's history. At a school with that kind of history in an event, the Longhorn high jumpers understand the expectations that come along. "It's definitely an honor to be mentioned with those people," Briscoe said. "With that comes some pressure too. I just try my best to keep up with that tradition." If these Big 12 Championships are any indication, then the current crop of Texas high jumpers will continue the legacy that's come before them. |
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