April 9, 2008

MACON, Ga. - The Atlantic Sun Conference named Kennesaw State high jump specialist Jerome McKinzie the Men's Outdoor Track Athlete of the Week on Wednesday afternoon. This marks the first time that the A-Sun Indoor High Jump Champion has received the award during the 2008 Outdoor Season.

At the 64th annual Florida Relays, the sophomore won his third straight high jump contest. Competing against a strong field of 30 jumpers, McKinzie claimed the victory as he posted a height of 6-10.75ft. The mark tied his personal best and earned him his second NCAA Regional Qualifying mark of the season.

"Jerome is extremely dependable," said head coach Don McGarey. "No matter what the level of competition, he performs at his best and produces results. He is one of the hardest working people we have on the team."

The Marietta High School graduate has had an outstanding outdoor season as he has remained undefeated after three meets. He claimed his first victory as he posted his first NCAA Mark (6-10.75ft) at the Clemson Relays. The following week at the Alabama Relays, McKinzie defeated his competition as he cleared the bar with a jump of 6-08.75ft.

"Jerome is right at that seven foot mark," field coach Mike Goss. "Every week he is knocking on that door. He can win meets by jumping 6-10.75ft, but his real goal to hit seven feet and go even higher."

McKinzie and the Owls will be back in action this weekend as they travel to Tallahassee, Fla., to participate in the Seminole Track Invitational.