By Kyle Roberts
EUGENE, Ore. – It was a date with redemption at the NCAA Track and Field National Championships for Oklahoma Sooner sophomore and former Ruston High Bearcat BJ Green.
Leaping a triple jump distance of 54 feet, 6.75 inches (16.63 meters), Green captured bronze for Oklahoma University’s outdoor track and field team while earning himself first team All-American honors.
Green said he was pleased with how he finished, considering he missed last season’s final by one spot.
“It was a great moment, especially because this time last year I placed tenth and missed the final by one place,” Green said. “The atmosphere was great, and the crowd was very involved. It was awesome.”
Green’s stellar collegiate career so far includes two first team honors and both the Big 12 indoor and outdoor titles in track and field. He also currently holds the No. 2 spot on OU’s indoor and outdoor all-time lists in the triple jump.
In reflecting on his sophomore campaign, Green said the best word to describe this season was “consistent.”
“I did remarkably well this year versus last year,” Green said. “I’ve seen a lot of progress, and in the coming years, I’m definitely going to be back on the podium bringing home a national championship.”
While at Ruston High, Green was a standout in both track and field and the Bearcat football team in the secondary — and he loves the chance to represent his hometown on the national stage.
“It means a lot to me to put the city of Ruston on the map,” Green concluded. “Whenever I can, I make sure everyone knows where I came from.”
