Video: Jahvad McDermott Interview
ROCK HILL, S.C. – The weekly track and field awards continue to roll in for Carson-Newman during the indoor season after Jahvad McDermott claimed the AstroTurf South Atlantic Conference Field Athlete of the Week award as announced by the league this afternoon.
It marks his first career athlete of the week award as he joins Tia Davis (twice) and Tanner Stepp as other Eagles to collect the honor from the conference.
The junior jumper collected his first top-place finish of the campaign over the weekend in the Finn Pincus Invitational at Roanoke College. McDermott competed in the high jump on day one topping a height of 2.03 meters on his first attempt, beating out St. Augustine's jumper Dakarai Hightower who would need two attempts.
The senior Hightower was a member of the 2016 St. Augustine's team who were named D2 National Champions.
McDermott's mark of 2.03 meters in the high jump was a new season-best after previously cleared 2.01 meters at the ETSU Invitational two weeks prior.
"Being a jumper it takes a toll on my legs," McDermott stated. "We have a great trainer who takes care of me and so does the rest of the team."
On day two of the Invitational, McDermott turned in a second-place finish in the triple jump after clearing a distance of 14.57 meters.
The lone jumper to edge the Brooklyn, New York native came from George Williams Express which are a collection of professional athletes that train with D2 champion and head coach from St. Augustine's, George Williams.
"Competition drives you and I'm a very competitive person," McDermott added. "I still need more discipline and it will help me and a lot of people on this team, but I'm honored to receive the award."
"The biggest thing for him and what I love is his confidence," Coach David Needs said. "He thinks he can do anything, he has high expectations for himself and we hope it's a start to do a lot more. He's driven to be a better athlete every time he steps on the track. We are excited with what he's done so far and what he can do in the future."
-CN-
