Hubbard Makes World History At NCAAs
DeHart Hubbard of Michigan achieved the first ratified world record ever set at the NCAA Championships on this day in 1925.
The Associated Press article exhibited some of the excitement: “He smashed the world’s record with a jump of 25-10⅞, a record that experts say may stand for all time … Hubbard achieved his record breaking leap on his first jump cleared the take-off with perfect form and sent his body hurtling through space kicking his legs in scissor fashion just before his feet hit the earth.” (It was noted in the same article that Hubbard later sent his daughter a telegraph to celebrate both the record and her first birthday.)
Of course, the world record didn’t last forever (3 years), but remained at the top of the Wolverines’ all-time list until 1980 (55 years).
It was not Hubbard’s first NCAA title, though. In winning the 1923 NCAA long jump, he became the first black NCAA champion in any event, in any sport. Hubbard was unable to defend his NCAA long jump title in 1924 as the meet was canceled to not conflict with the Olympic Trials.
By the time the NCAA meet resumed in 1925, Hubbard was also the reigning Olympic long jump champion, having won the previous summer in Paris. It was a historic victory for Hubbard, as he was the first black athlete to win an individual gold medal at the Olympic Games.
All eyes were on Hubbard at the NCAA meet in 1925 and he didn’t disappoint. He won the long jump with that world-record effort and smashed the meet record in the 100 yards with a time of 9.8 seconds. Both of those victories gave him even more accolades: He was the first athlete to complete the 100-LJ double and the first two-time LJ winner.
Hubbard also won the long jump in record-setting fashion at the NCAA Championships when it pertains to margin of victory. He won by 1’8¾” in 1923 and 1’8½” in 1925, which sit No. 1 and No. 2 in meet history.
A year after finishing at Michigan, Hubbard equaled the world record in the 100 yards at 9.6, becoming the first to hold the 100 and long jump records at the same time – the only other man with such a collection is Jesse Owens.
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.
Carr Displayed His World Record Speed
Henry Carr set a meet record in the 220 yards of 20.5 at the 1963 NCAA Outdoor Track & Field Championships.
Joaquim Cruz’d To Meet Record, 800-1500 Double
Joaquim Cruz won three career titles at the NCAA DI Outdoor T&F Championships. In 1983, he set a meet record in the 800 of 1:44.91 & completed the 800-1500 double in 1984.
Back-To-Back 200-Meter Crowns For Annelus
Anglerne “Angie” Annelus won back-to-back 200m titles at the NCAA DI Outdoor T&F Championships in 2018 & 2019. Her 22.16 winner from 2019 is the 4th fastest mark in collegiate history.
Indoors? Outdoors? Johnson Starred In The PV
Jan Johnson won the pole vault title at the 1970 NCAA Division I Outdoor T&F Championships and tied the meet record of 17-7.
Beard Capped Sensational Year At NCAAs
Jessica Beard won the 400 & then split the fastest 4×400 leg ever recorded at the NCAA DI Outdoor T&F Championships to lead Texas A&M to a relay crown.
Biles Brothers Boast Historic Winning Feat
Martin Biles & Robert Biles were the first siblings to win the same event at the NCAA DI Outdoor T&F Championships. Marty won the javelin in 1940 & 1941, while Robert did so in 1942.
Branta Set NCAA MRs In 1500, 3000
Cathy Branta set meet records in back-to-back years at the NCAA DI Outdoor T&F Championships: 8:59.57 in the 3000 (1984); 4:12.64 in the 1500 (1985) as part of a 1500-3K double.
Brophy Led “Deca Central” With MR In 1992
Brian Brophy led a 1-2 finish by Tennessee athletes in the decathlon at the 1992 NCAA Division I Outdoor T&F Championships. He won with a meet record of 8276 points.
UCLA’s Brenner Won Amazing SP Duel In 1984
John Brenner completed the discus-shot put double at the 1984 NCAA Division I Outdoor T&F Championships and won the shot put after an incredible duel against Michael Carter.
Ellerbe, Misipeka Dominated The Hammer
Dawn Ellerbe and Lisa Misipeka went 1-2 in each of the first two years that the women’s hammer was contested at the NCAA DI Outdoor Track & Field Championships.