June 13, 2015

Complete Results

EUGENE, ORE. – The University of South Carolina track and field team crowned a deserving champion Saturday afternoon, as senior Jeannelle Scheper won the NCAA Outdoor high jump national title. Already one of the most decorated athletes in program history, Scheper earned the women’s team’s first outdoor title since 2007, and the first outdoor title overall since 2010. Lakya Brookins won an indoor championship in 2011

Scheper would start out with a clearance of 1.81 after passing on the first two heights. A rare miss on her first try of 1.84 meters would quickly be countered with a pass on her second attempt. She breezed past 1.87, and was the first of four finalists to make it over 1.90. The remaining three jumpers needed all three attempts and only Kansas State’s Kimberly Williamson made it over.

With just Scheper and Williamson moving on to 1.93 meters, both would foul on their first two tries. Jeannelle would not need her final attempt, as Williamson’s third and final miss would clinch the title. After missing out on two straight indoor titles in 2013 and 2014, she would win on misses.

“The competition was extremely difficult, and even though the bar wasn’t as high as some people would have expected, it was a great experience and it was great after being here a few times and coming in second” said assistant head coach Delethea Quarles. “I’m just glad to see everything come to fruition today.”

Scheper was not alone in the pits on the day, as Nakita Gray joined her for the competition. Gray began her day at the starting height of 1.72 meters, and would pass that and the next height of 1.77 on her first tries. At her first attempt at 1.81, she nearly passed it but caught the bar with her heel for a foul. She would not be able to pass the bar, but due to her only three misses coming at that mark, she would finish 12th overall and earn second-team All-American honors.

In the final team standings, the women finished tied for 20th and the men finished tied for 60th. Host Oregon would sweep the team titles.

QUOTABLE

South Carolina Head Coach Curtis Frye

It’s a culmination of what should happen when you have a great support system and a great subject. She came here at 16 years old, she’s a model student and a model person. That’s what should happen. This is when all the stars line up. I’m thrilled, it couldn’t have happened to a better role model. She’s our first step in to what I like to call our return to the future.

Senior Jeannelle Scheper

On the Competition
The competition was pretty fierce today and it went a little differently than I thought it would. The track surface was a little bit difficult to overcome and you could see that. It could have gone better, but I came out with the win so that’s as good as it gets.

UP NEXT

While this brings the 2015 track and field season to a close for the team, many individuals will be running all summer long. Be sure to follow @GamecockTrack on Twitter and GamecocksOnline.com for updates.