USF Coo Jumps

By: Tori Schroeder

As the track season gets closer, the Cougar Jumps Team gets more ex cited for the chance to use the skills they have been preparing all year. USF track involves athletes in several different events, but the students in volved in long jump, triple jump, high jump, and pole vault have been preparing since the end of summer for their chance to shine. The Coo Jumps Club involves all athletes in the events mentioned above. Their only off season is the summertime, but otherwise they are preparing and working on their skills to get ready for the beginning of the indoor track season. Even though much of the team is spread out and back home over the summertime, the team still tries to get together and work out when they can. To keep followers updated, the Cougar Jumps Team has a social media page on which they post their recent hangouts, activities they do together outside of practices, as well as showcasing the progress they are making for the upcoming season. Student Amarise Okken says “The Coo Jumps Team is really close and we do a lot of stuff in the summer or towards the beginning of the year. When its warmer, we’ll play volleyball, spike ball, or we’ll just get together and hang out and play games… the team atmosphere is great…you just have friends automatically when you join the team.”  When asked what made Okken want to continue jumping in college, she said, “In high school I didn’t start till my Junior year and I just think after my senior year I was like wow I love this sport, I want to continue, so I was really grateful for the opportunity to do it in college. Our coach is amazing, so it’s re ally helpful to have a coach who knows what she’s talking about, can help you see improvements… doing track in college (as opposed to high school) is more serious but still lighthearted and you meet a lot of good friends. It’s such a good community and a good atmosphere and so it’s just awe some, it’s way different from high school but it’s way better.” The Cougar Jump Team’s first meet was Friday December 5, at 2:00 p.m. at Wayne State College. They would love support from the crowd for their many spring meets, so visit the University of Sioux Falls Athletics website for their schedule or check them out on their Instagram page, USF Coo Jumps. Everyone is invited to come cheer them on!