Robinson
Emporia Sate student-athlete Jennifer Robinson has high jumping down pat. The junior graphic design major is the only high jumper for the ESU women’s track and field team – yet the Mound Valley native is All-American caliber for Division II.
As recently as April 3, Robinson dominated the field in both the high jump and long jump, coming away with two event championships for the Hornets at the State Farm ESU Relays.
ESU track and field coach David Harris has always had high expectations for Robinson.
“I had expectations, in the high jump, (for her) to go right back to being an All-American, one of the top high jumpers in Division II in the country,” Harris said.
The road to greatness wasn’t an easy one for Robinson.
“Jennifer was beat up last year,” Harris said. “We beat her up trying to do more events, probably, than we should have. She wanted to do that – she wanted to do the heptathlon…it didn’t work out.”
Robinson is well aware that the injury hindered her progression last season. However, after a full recovery, she expects to continue to improve.
“Last year I was injured, so most of the season I would just come whenever I wanted to work out because I was hurt,” Robinson said. “This year since I’m healthy again, I’m back to doing what I can do.”
Besides the injury, Robinson has faced another obstacle: a heavy course load. It’s not uncommon for her, due to her schedule, for Robinson to have to train on her own.
“It’s not easy to train by yourself,” Harris said. “She’s able to do it. She’s able to take care of school, and that’s important. She’s able to take care of training, which she’s our only high jumper right now, so she’s training on her own in the high jump with the coaches.”
Because of the tight class schedule, Robinson fully understands what kind of dedication it takes to commit to both her grades and athletics.
“It’s kind of hectic sometimes, just working with everyone’s schedule“ Robinson said. “Art majors’ classes are usually later in the day, so that affects practice.”
If it wasn’t already enough, Robinson has had to deal with coaching changes, as well. Her new position coach, Erin Wessely, appreciates Robinson’s dedication and jumping potential.
“Jennifer’s probably one of the easier people to coach on the team,” Wessely said. “She’s an incredibly hard worker, so that’s always good. I walked into the door in a really good position, having her be a good high jumper already and trying to get her up to those higher heights. She definitely has the potential to jump a lot higher.”
Even after garnering success this early, Robinson still plans on capitalizing on opportunities to improve.
“I’m hoping that I continue to keep doing as good as I’m doing and grow and do better,” Robinson said.
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