ETTRICK, VA- VSU's Jahaz Morgan has qualified for the NCAA Outdoor Track and Field National Championship in the triple jump in Pueblo, Colorado from May 25-27, 2023.
 
On May 13-14 Morgan participated in the University of Mount Olive Last Chance meet where he was able to improve his qualifying mark in the triple jump with a new PR of 15.04m (49' 7") that bumped him up to #22 on the national D2 ranking list.

"I am excited about making it to nationals," said Morgan. "I knew that it was possible, I just needed to fix a couple things and work on my phases. As I continue to practice I get better with every jump. I'm sure that I'll see more improvement at nationals!"

This year marks Morgan's first season with the Trojans. When he started this journey he made some tough decisions that included transitioning from competing in the hurdles, 200m, triple jump, and long jump to shifting his focus on the jumping events where he was experiencing the most success.

The sophomore has excelled in the triple jump all season; he won the triple jump at the Norfolk State Spartan Invitational back in April recording a personal best of 14.83m (48' 8") to begin this journey by securing a NCAA provisional qualifying mark.

In such a a short time Morgan has developed as one of VSU's standout track and field student-athletes and he gives a lot of credit to head coach Frank Hyland for helping him to trust the process and be resilient. 

Coach Hyland joined the Trojans in February and led the Trojans to repeat as CIAA Outdoor Track and Field Champions, highlighted by several stellar performances and top finishes from student-athletes like Morgan. 

"I'm very proud of Jahaz because he battled a nagging knee injury all season, but yet he was committed and resilient throughout our challenging practice sessions improving almost every weekend," said coach Hyland. "I'm looking forward to seeing how he performs next week as one of the best triple jumpers in Division II. I'm so proud of him."

Morgan has already accomplished what many would say is the ultimate goal for year one as a Trojan but he shared that his competitive nature will not allow him to be content. When asked what would he like to accomplish next week in Pueblo, Colorado, without hesitation he made it clear that his sights are set on hitting the podium. 
 
Morgan also competes in the long jump and has worked hard towards improving his PR in the event throughout the course of the season. He concluded the 2023 season with a personal best of 7.00m (11' 75").
 
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