UCLA’s Acuff Ascends To Record Heights

Celebrating A Century of NCAA Track & Field Championships

UCLA’s Acuff Ascends To Record Heights

June 3, 1995

Happy birthday to Amy Acuff!

The former UCLA star won her first NCAA Outdoor high jump title in 1995 at 1.96m (6-5). While the height remains untouched as the meet record, Acuff wasn’t satisfied, even after winning a competition by equaling the largest margin of victory yet of more than two inches.

“I was glad to be able to get certain key heights on my first attempt,” Acuff explained afterwards. “But I wasn’t thrilled with the final height.”

That’s because, a month earlier, Acuff had raised the collegiate record to 1.98m (6-6) at the Pac-10 Championships. Two years later – after showing disappointment when becoming the first woman to win four consecutive Pac-10 titles in any event – she offered more insight to Dick Rockne of the Seattle Times.

“Because I’m never satisfied,” Acuff said. “It’s easy for me to be unsatisfied with my jumps.”

The native of Port Arthur, Texas, finished her collegiate career with a combined five NCAA DI titles, the most for a high jumper until Brigetta Barrett of Arizona compiled six.

Acuff’s post-collegiate career saw her compete on five Olympic track & field teams, joining Willye White and Gail Devers as the only Americans with as many.

posted: July 14, 2020
1921-2021
The NCAA's First Championships

The NCAA and collegiate track & field will mark a momentous milestone in the spring of 2021 -- the 100th anniversary of the NCAA Championships and with that, the NCAA Track & Field Championships. In June 1921, the University of Chicago hosted the first track & field championships in NCAA history.

This point can’t be emphasized enough: Not only was the event the first for NCAA track & field, but the first championships for any sport under the sponsorship of the NCAA.

To celebrate, over each of the next 365 days, the U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA) will celebrate moments, student-athletes, and coaches that have made a century’s worth of championships special. From humble beginnings to important historical milestones to the modern-day, collegiate track & field has evolved with the American society.

The 2021 edition of the NCAA Division I Outdoor Track & Field Championships begin with preliminary round action on May 27-29 in Jacksonville, Fla., and College Station, Texas. The championships final site and culmination of the celebration is slated for June 9-12, 2021 at the newly rebuilt Hayward Field in Eugene, Ore.

Memorable Moments
Plab Reached Lofty Heights In NCAA HJ

Darrin Plab won back-to-back HJ titles at the NCAA DI Outdoor T&F Championships in 1991 & 1992. Plab cleared 2.34m (7-8) in 1992 & tied the 2nd best bar in meet history.

Peoples Made History One Lap At A Time

Maurice Peoples won the 440-yard dash in 1973 & then really turned up the heat. Peoples split 43.4 on the Sun Devils’ mile relay team that finished third in the final.

KU’s Lokedi Set 10K MR In 2018

Sharon Lokedi won the 10K at the 2018 NCAA DI Outdoor T&F Championships in a meet-record 32:09.20. Lokedi led five other women under the old final-site best, too.

Can Ereng Kick It? Yes, He Can!

Paul Ereng won back-to-back 800-meter titles at the NCAA DI Outdoor T&F Championships in 1988 & 1989. Ereng is still the current indoor record holder in the event.

Dwight Stones Set High Jump WR In 1976

Dwight Stones set a world record in the high jump of 2.31m (7-7) at the 1976 NCAA DI Outdoor T&F Championships. Stones also raised the MR by more than 3 inches!