Hawkeye Fan Shop — A Black & Gold Store | Hawk Talk Monthly — December | Hawk Talk Daily links | 24 Hawkeyes to Watch 2017-18
IOWA CITY, Iowa — University of Iowa sophomore Jay Hunt is a high jumper on the track and field team.
In Hunt’s freshman season, he led high jump squad with a collegiate best of 2.05 meters (6-8 3/4). He competed in the indoor and outdoor Big Ten Championships, placing 15th(6-8, 2.03m) and 10th (6-8, 2.03m), respectively.
Hunt is a Batavia, Illinois, native.
What do you want to achieve this season?
“I’m hoping to clear seven feet this year and place at Big Ten Championships to score some points for the team. As a team, the goal is always to win the Big Ten Championships, and I think we’re in a fantastic place to do that this year. After that, send a strong squad to nationals and tear it up.”
What is your favorite memory as a Hawkeye?
“Traveling to California for a track meet because I had never been to the West Coast. The atmosphere at the meet and hanging out with the other athletes while watching my teammates compete was amazing. I ended up jumping the best I jumped all year.”
What is your best advice for the freshmen?
“Stay on top of your schoolwork, training, learn from the older members of the team, and most importantly have fun.”
What is the best advice you’ve ever received from a coach?
“‘You’re a beast, just get up there and clear the bar.’ It gave me a confidence boost and made me feel like ‘I got this’ and I went up and cleared that bar like a beast.”
If you could invite anyone to dinner, who would it be?
“Will Ferrell because that man is the funniest man on the planet. I would probably be choking on my food laughing.”
Who is your favorite professional athlete?
“I’ve grown up a New England fan all my life, and Tom Brady never fails to deliver.”
Do you have any pre-meet rituals?
“I don’t have any pre-meet rituals, but I have a pre-jump ritual where I do a 3-step curved run then jump as high as I can. Gets the leg ready for jumping and its cool because I feel like I’m floating.”
What is something you’ve always wanted to try but have been too scared to?
“Definitely skydiving, I love going fast like roller coasters and stuff, but I’m afraid of heights. I think I would pass out if I went skydiving.”
If you could choose a super power, what would you choose?
“Probably telekinesis, I would use my mind to control the basketball and become the greatest shooter the NBA has ever seen.”
How do you feel about pineapple on pizza?
“I love pineapple. It’s definitely a top-five fruit, but it just doesn’t belong on pizza.”
If you could trade places with anyone in the world, who would it be?
“Lebron James because that man is the greatest athlete in the world. I would immediately go to the gym and throw down some insane dunks.”
What is your favorite meal?
“A nice big burrito with queso from Pancheros always hits the spot.”
