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.
Herbst Handled Distance Double With Ease
Stephanie Herbst completed the 5K-10K double at the 1986 NCAA DI Outdoor T&F Championships, setting a CR of 32:32.75 in the 10K.
Gordy Played Hero, Sent LSU To Team Title
Matt Gordy tied for the pole vault title at the 1933 NCAA Outdoor Track & Field Championships and sent LSU to the team crown!
Kendell Williams Was Multi-Talented
Kendell Williams of Georgia won seven career national titles in the combined events, including three heptathlon crowns at the NCAA Division I Outdoor Track & Field Championships.
SMU’s Robberts Dominated Throwing Events
Janus Robberts won four career titles at the NCAA Division I Outdoor Track & Field Championships: 1999 (SP), 2001 (SP), 2002 (SP, DT).
Enyeart Set Meet Record In 800 Meters
Mark Enyeart won two career 800-meter titles at the NCAA Division I Outdoor T&F Championships in 1957 and 1977. He set a meet record of 1:45.16 with his victory in 1977.
O’Sullivan Went Back-To-Back In 3K
Sonia O’Sullivan won back-to-back 3K titles at the NCAA Division I Outdoor Track & Field Championships in 1990 and 1991.
Gilkes Completed Unique Triple Crown In 1974
James Gilkes completed an unprecedented Triple Crown in 1974, winning the 220-yard dash at the NCAA Division I, NCAA Division III & NAIA Outdoor Track & Field Championships.
Burrell Family In Class Of Its Own
It’s going to be a fast feast at the Burrell house during Thanksgiving!
Malone Made Javelin History In 2016
Maggie Malone set the current meet record of 62.19m (204-0) in the javelin at the 2016 NCAA Division I Outdoor T&F Championships.
Whiting Dominated SP, Nearly Set Outdoor CR
Ryan Whiting won back-to-back shot put titles at the NCAA Division I Outdoor Track & Field Championships in 2009 and 2010, narrowly missing the collegiate record in the last year.