By Christian Frazier
Andre Daniels, a Rochester University men’s track and field team member, qualified for NAIA Indoor Nationals in high jump at the Joe Banks Invitational at Ohio Northern University on Jan. 30.
Daniels, a junior management major, earned his spot at the national meet by jumping over the qualifying height for the NAIA B-standard of 6’7.”
This feat earned him first place at the invitational and a new school record, beating his previously held mark by two inches. Daniels also holds 16th place in the national rankings with eight other competitors.
The NAIA A-standard of qualification is set at the height of 6’8.25” and guarantees automatic qualification. Whereas, the B-standard takes the remaining participants if 25 positions cannot be filled by A-standard definition. So far, only 12 athletes have met this standard during the 2021 indoor season.
“It’s a wonderful feeling," Daniels said. "I’ve been working toward this for years, and I feel so grateful for the opportunity that was given to me by Rochester University track and field."
Head coach Sean Foulkes also has reason to celebrate; Daniels qualification marks the first time an RU track and field athlete has qualified for the NAIA national meet since joining in 2011 and Foulkes’ first in his coaching career at this level.
“It was surreal. You watch an athlete train and put in the effort to be their best; some days are good, some not so much,” Foulkes said. “But when that day comes and it clicks, and you see them achieve a level you know they were capable of, it's extraordinary. Andre has worked incredibly hard and has even bigger jumps in him this season.”
Daniels and his teammates will compete again on Feb. 4 at the Concordia University Invitational at Ypsilanti Lincoln High School. For additional information on the men’s track and field team, go to: http://www.rochesteruwarriors.com/schedule/0/26
