November 29, 2014
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IOWA CITY, Iowa – The University of Iowa high jump and pole vault groups are looking to reach new heights this season. Take a look at what the Hawkeyes are doing to prepare for the upcoming track and field season in part four of the 2015 season previews.
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“I’ve developed a really good relationship [with the student-athletes] over the fall by being able to do one-on-one training and focusing on technique,” said Molly Jones, who is in her second season coaching pole vault and high jump for Iowa. “This is a crucial time to train. We’ve been doing a lot of speed and power work, and have been working to get the athletes mentally prepared for the season.”
Kevin Spejcher’s spirits are riding high as he returns to the track as Iowa’s top high jumper for the men. The junior placed second at the 2014 Big Ten Outdoor Championships with a mark of 7-0 ¾ (2.14m). He won the high jump at last year’s Musco Twilight with a collegiate-best and meet record 7-2 ½ (2.20m), a mark that ranks fourth all-time at Iowa.
“I have already started off [my training] better than I did last season,” Spejcher said. “I feel better, I feel stronger, and I feel faster. My expectation is to place one spot better than last year [at the Big Ten Championships] and possibly break the school record.”
On the women’s side, Khanishah Williams leaped her way to victory at the 2014 Big Ten Outdoor Championships in the high jump (5-9 ¼, 1.76m). She owns the third best mark in school history at 5-11 ¼ (1.81m), which she posted at the 2013 ISU Qualifier meet.
Spejcher and Williams will lead a young group of high jumpers and pole-vaulters this season.
“I’m really looking forward to this year. We have a lot of younger athletes on our team that we are looking to develop and get better,” Jones said. “That is what I’m looking forward to is seeing how our younger athletes develop and move up in the scoring ranks.”
