Women's Track and Field | 3/7/2015 11:02:00 PM
BOSTON, Mass. – Coppin State junior
Deandra Daniel added another awesome accolade to her growing collection by winning the high jump competition at the ECAC Division I Indoor Track and Field Championship meet Saturday afternoon at the Boston University Tennis & Track Facility.
Daniel's winning clearance was a school record performance of 1.87 meters (6 feet, 1.50 inches), the third consecutive meet she enjoyed a personal best performance. She is perfectly peaking as the NCAA Division I Indoor Track and Field Championships loom next weekend in Fayetteville (Ark.). Daniel's winning clearance occurred on her second attempt at 1.87.
Earlier this week, Daniel said she felt great entering this meet despite not competing in 24 days. Beneath her focused façade, Daniel quietly believed she would do something great in Boston.
"Today was a great accomplishment for me," Daniel said. "My goal was to jump 1.87 or more and I did, so I'm very happy. But it was not easy. I had to work hard to come out on top but I was glad to get the intense competition. I think that I am jumping high when I need to and I am looking forward to next week."
A five-time MEAC high-jump champion, this was the fourth time this season that Daniel has set a career best and school record. During the 2014-15 indoor season, Daniel has won every high jump competition she has participated in this season. Nationally, Daniel's mark of 1.87 meters is tied for the third best clearance.
When asked to describe Daniel's winning effort, Coppin State head women's track and field
Alecia Shields-Gadson quoted First Corinthians 15:57.
"But thanks be to God!" Shields said. "He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. While we had reservations about allowing her to compete so close to nationals, this was a great dress rehearsal. Her performance today shows that she's primed to jump well at the national championship meet."
She's rising higher and higher with each successive meet. She soared 1.83 meters at Winston-Salem on Jan. 19. Daniel cleared 1.84 meters at the Nelson P. Townsend Invitational hosted by Maryland Eastern Shore on Feb. 7. She navigated 1.85 meters at the MEAC Championships.
Daniel's performance highlighted a strong day for Coppin State's women.
Melissa Caddle-Hope qualified for the 200-meter championship after running 24.58 seconds. The 4 x 400-meter quartet of Caddle-Hope,
Alexis Marsh,
Miriam Ekwuru and
Tanaya Yarde ran 3:47.66 to qualify for Sunday's final.
