NCAA Men’s High Jump — Beckford Double Champ Again

IT’S ALL ABOUT ownership for Romaine Beckford in the high jump. When he steps onto the apron, he believes that the bar belongs to him. And it’s hard to argue the point since, in the aftermath of this competition, he is undefeated in 2024 and has won both NCAA titles this year for Arkansas after winning both for South Florida in ’23.

Beckford had a couple lapses here, needing two tries at 7-3¾ (2.23) and two at 7-5 (2.26). No one else could clear 7-5 so he was the champion. He’s been dealing with the aftermath of a winter fibula injury but it obviously hasn’t slowed him much as he hasn’t lost a high jump since placing 7th in the NCAA Preliminary Round last year.

“When I get out there,” Beckford said, “I own the bar. It’s mine. And it’s all a matter of confidence.”

At 7-2½ (2.20), collegiate leader Tyus Wilson (Nebraska), who jumped 7-6 (2.29) to win the Big 10 and added two other victories at 7-5 (2.26), never looked comfortable. Following several misses, he was in 4th with a 3rd attempt make at 7-½ (2.17).

“I didn’t get enough warm-up jumps,” Tyus said, “and that’s on me.” When the bar went to 7-3¾ (2.23), he took the lead with a first-attempt clearance. Beckford needed two tries and Snowden three.

The other contenders couldn’t negotiate 7-3¾ and packed their spikes. Harvard frosh Tito Alofe was clean through four bars but couldn’t make 7-3¾. Kansas’s Devin Loudermilk also was in the mix but couldn’t get over 7-3¾ and finished 5th.

Of finishing his collegiate journey winning four in a row indoors and out, Beckford said, “I am still in disbelief. Nobody really knows, but I went through an injury [during] indoor season after trying to attempt the Olympic standard.

“I had a fibular stress reaction that had me out about 7 or 8 weeks. I just didn’t have the best season and I was scared that it would happen over and over. Internationally being [18th on the world list], I felt like I was an underdog today. It reminded me of when I was at South Florida and I was pretty much just trusting in God. I know my ability, I know I can jump high, I just really prayed.”

MEN’S HIGH JUMP RESULTS

FINAL (June 07)

1. Romaine Beckford’ (Ar-Jam) 7-5 (2.26);

2. *Tyus Wilson (Nb) 7-3¾ (2.23);

3. Caleb Snowden (ArPB) 7-3¾;

4. ***Tito Alofe…