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Kenson Tate
A stellar freshman campaign came to a conclusion for Kenson Tate as he would make his national debut in the NCAA Track & Field Outdoor Championships in Eugene, Oregon, on June 8. Tate would serve notice that he would have a bright future in the long jump as he earned second team All-American honors.
In Tate’s final jump of the season, the freshman from Zachary, Louisiana, made a leap of 7.53 meters, which was good enough for 12th place overall. He finished as the second-best freshman in the event trailing Tennessee’s Wayne Pinnock, the overall winner of the event, and he was also the third best performer from the West Region.
“I’m still wildly impressed with Kenson, especially after him stepping up as the second jumper and starting a clap for his first big jump,” said assistant coach Tyler Sunwall. “That is a testament to his ability to not let any moment be too big for him. I’m immensely proud of him and excited to continue our work next year. I also have to shout out our head coach Trey Clark. He’s the most underappreciated person on campus, in my humble opinion. It is almost impossible to imagine us being as successful as we are without his dedication and support. A true Cardinal through and through.”
Despite the result of his jump, Tate’s confidence wasn’t deterred as he already has plans to be back in the finals for next season.
“I’m not satisfied,” said Tate. “But the experiences I’ve had this year and at this meet will lay the foundation for future success. I am disappointed in the outcome, but I gave my best effort today and I am proud of that. I will be back.”