IOWA CITY, Iowa — Sophomore James Carter, a native of Oak Creek, Wisconsin, knew the potential his team had for the 2020 outdoor season. As the reigning Big Ten Outdoor Champions, the Hawkeyes had a lot of goals to keep that title at Iowa City. As it turns out, the trophy was issued a stay-at-home order due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
“I was at my house when I found out the news,” said Carter. “I was in total disbelief. I heard they canceled the national meet, and when I heard they canceled the NBA season, it shook me how big this was going to be. It wasn’t going to be over quick.”
Carter earned a total of nine points for the Hawkeyes at the Big Ten Indoor Championships on Feb. 28-29. He placed fourth in triple jump with a team-leading 49-7 (15.11m) and fifth in long jump (23-10, 7.26m). Carter ranks No. 5 on the all-time triple jump list with a collegiate-best mark of 50-3 1/2 (15.53m) at the 2019 Larry Wieczorek Invite.
“I felt like we were on the right track, me as an individual and as a team,” said Carter. “I think we were on a strong climb to the top of the conference. I feel that everyone on our team is sad we did not get to showcase our true strength as a team. A goal of mine that will have to wait until next year is being a Big Ten champion. I have a couple more years to make that happen.”
Carter is quarantined in Iowa City where he is finishing online school and continues to train. This is his Hawkeye Shakeout.
How has your training and online schooling been going?
“I’m adapting to online school, but it’s definitely more difficult than in-person classes. Once they canceled the season, I did a couple extra workouts but once I was told we couldn’t have practice with our coaches and it was up to us to work out on our own I dialed it back.”
What has been a memorable moment for you so far as a Hawkeye?
“An unforgettable moment as a Hawkeye was winning the Big Ten Outdoor Championships last year with the team and I believe, along with my team, that we definitely could have won it back-to-back.”
What are you most looking forward to next season?
“For next year, I’m really looking forward to improving my speed and strength and hopefully making it to nationals.”
How has the jumps group changed over the year?
“Adding new guys to our group has definitely changed the dynamic since it’s no longer just the two of us (Cooper Koenig and I). We gained two more extra guys (DeAndre Stapleton and Jamal Britt) and they are pretty good. We really get after it in practice and I like the environment.”
What have you been doing during quarantine?
“I’ve been playing a lot of darts just to pass the time and I’ve been playing video games. Every week or so we have a group meeting with our coaches virtually and check in with everybody. I will be staying in Iowa City through the summer.”
