Rayshon Higgins
Jumps - Men's Track & Field

What are you expecting and what type of goals have you set for the NCAA East Regional, which you will be competing at between this Friday, May 28 and Saturday, May 29?
At the Regional meet, I want to just go out and do my best. It would be great if I could get another personal record there, but if I don't I wouldn’t be upset. I'm happy that I’ve made it this far as a freshman.

The Regional is going to be held in Gainesville, Florida. What challenges are presented in competing somewhere where there is both an unfamiliar stadium and a different climate?
This indoor and outdoor season we have run on a large number of tracks of all different sizes, shapes and designs – so my teammates and I will be ready for whatever is in store. The biggest challenge will obviously be the heat, but if we prepare well enough it shouldn't be a problem.

How does the process work in moving on from the Regional to the NCAA Championships in mid-June?
In order for me to go to the NCAA Championships, I have to place in the top seven at the East Regional.

Earlier this month, you placed third at the Mid-American Conference Championships with a triple jump of 50 feet. What was that experience like for you?
The MAC Championships were a great experience. Throughout the season, one of my goals that I hadn't reached was to become a member of the 50-foot club. I wish it could have come with a win, but I left everything on the track, so I'm happy.

As a team, you placed in a tie for sixth out of nine teams at the MAC Outdoors. On the team level, were you pleased with the success this season? What type of outlook do you have for your team in the coming seasons?
I think that the team did really well. The amount of points that we put up at the meet was the most that we ever have. It shows that everybody brought their “A” game. Next season, we will be bringing back a lot of people. There are some key seniors that won't be here, but I know our returning members will step up.

Your teammate Reggie Rucker also performed well, finishing fifth in the triple jump at the MAC Championships. How beneficial is it to have a teammate to compete with on a regular basis?
Having teammates to compete with is a huge advantage. We push and motivate each other all the time. That’s hard to do on your own. The whole jumping crew sticks together and helps one another out as much as we can.

Reggie also finished second in the long jump at that meet.

From a technique standpoint, what do you focus on accomplishing during the triple jump?
During practice we go over jumping technique a lot. The triple jump is a hard event because of the pounding that it does to your body. When I compete, I usually don't worry about my technique because it's automatic since we practice it so much. I just get pumped up and jump.

When and how did you first begin competing in the triple jump?
I first began my freshman year of high school. My school was small and so was the team, so I was able to compete in a lot of events – but the triple jump just stuck with me.

As your freshman year at UB is wrapping up, what has been the most significant change for you from an athletic standpoint since your successful career at Timon/St. Jude High School?
The thing that has changed the most for me is my technique. In high school, I had no clue that there was a certain way to do my event. When I came to UB, I picked up technique and I've gotten better throughout the season.

What events ­ if any ­ will you compete in during the summer? What type of workout program do you have during the off-season?
A few of my teammates and I have qualified for the Junior National meet, which is at the end of June. Besides that, I plan on resting, training and becoming stronger with some of my teammates so that next year we can come back on top.

-The “10 Questions with…” feature is compiled by Geoff Nason.

05/25/2004