Pree Advances To Nationals In Long Jump, Earns First TSU Berth Since 2012

COLLEGE STATION, Texas – Sophomore long jumper Kenneth Pree made history on Wednesday afternoon as he qualified for the NCAA Men’s Track & Field National Championships in Eugene, Oregon. 

Participating against some of the best long jumpers in the nation in the Preliminary Championship at Texas A&M, Pree only had three attempts to prove his worth or his 2021 season would come to a close. 

Entering the day with a personal-best jump of 24-2.25 feet, the sophomore from Houston opened up with a personal-best mark of 24-9 on his first attempt. Facing 92 degree heat, Pree would foul on his second attempt which set up his final jump of the afternoon and potentially the season. 

On his last attempt, Pree dug deep and gave everything he had as he set another personal-best of 25-1 ¾ feet. Once the dust settled, Pree finished 12th overall and punched his ticket to nationals as the top 12 finishers moved on to the next round. 

With the advancement, Pree is the first TSU men’s track & field athlete to earn a national bid since the 4×400-meter relay team advanced to nationals in 2012. Pree also is chasing history at TSU as in 1987, Flying Tiger Paul Emordi was crowned national champion with a mark of 27-0 ¾ feet. 

With Pree settled, head coach Clyde Duncan, Sr. will now turn his attention towards triple jumper Chadrick Williams. Williams is scheduled to jump on Friday at 3:15 p.m.