Courtney Van Haaften | Sports Co-Editor

Nolan Sampson, a senior high-jumper from Cherokee, IA, has had a strong start to this year’s outdoor track and field season. In his first two meets in Rock Island, Ill. and Waverly, Iowa, he has jumped 6’9.75” each time, winning the event in both meets.

This height has also given him a spot as the top high-jumper in all of Division III, currently tied with two other athletes. For the period ending March 30, Sampson was named the Iowa Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (IIAC) Field Performer of the Week.

“It was definitely an honor to receive that recognition,” Sampson said.

According to Sampson’s jumping coach, Keith Schmidt, he has made bounds of improvement since the last season.

“He now understands the event more, is more focused, and has followed his training routine religiously. He has worked hard to get where he is,” Schmidt said.

Sampson agreed, “I’ve worked really hard, I’ve stuck with the training, gone into the weight room, and sacrificed personal time.”

Sampson has recently received a lot of recognition for his outstanding performances, which have caused him to set even higher goals for himself.

“Because of the success he has had, it is actually easier to be motivated. He can see what the work will do for him and he still has the capability to jump higher,” Schmidt said.

Sampson is most excited for the IIAC and national qualifying meets. He has set a personal goal to win the conference in high jump and become an All-American. His coaching staff and teammates believe in him and are proud of what he has accomplished so far, but know that he can do even better.

“It is great to see someone realize their potential and work hard to make it happen,” Schmidt said.

The Beavers compete next at the Jim Duncan relays in Des Moines, IA, starting at 3:30 p.m.

Photo courtesy of Tim Hoffman