Sacramento State high jumper prepares for NCAA Track and Field Championships
Sacramento State high jumper prepares for NCAA Track and Field Championships
Miles Grant is the definition of setting a goal and achieving it.
"In my goal sheet, I had written that I wanted to go to Nationals," said Grant. "So it feels really good to be able to accomplish something."
The graduating senior out of Sacramento State University is the only member on the track and field team to qualify for the upcoming NCAA Championships this weekend, where he'll be competing in high jump.
"This will be my last collegiate meet, so I think enjoyment is the most important thing," said Grant. "And just representing who I am and where I'm coming from. I'll definitely feel some nerves, but you get that feeling in your chest and it's like an elevating kind of feeling and it helps me when I'm high jumping."
Behind every great athlete is a great coach, and for Miles, that's coach Carl Caughell.
"We've become friends over the course of four years," said Grant. "It makes it that much more exciting to travel and get to spend time with him while we're traveling and competing."
It's safe to say that Miles has left an indelible mark on this team.
"I know all my teammates names," said Grant. "I always try to say hi to them when I see them, just that small bit has made an impact on my team."
Miles can clear 7 feet and 2 1/2 inches, which is high enough to clear Shaquille O'Neal. And funny enough, he already has a marketing pitch for the big guy.
"My girlfriend, who's also on the team, she's always talking about you need to do an ad with Shaq where you jump over him. He turns around hands you a Red Bull, and we turn to the camera and say 'Red Bull gives you wings.'"
Grant takes off for Eugene, Oregon, where the championships will be held on Tuesday, and he's set to jump on Friday.
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