(Photos by Donald Lamb)
The Florida Gators are a big time program in every sport they compete in. Since Steve Spurrier arrived back in the early 90’s to coach his alma mater in football, UF has soared to the top tier for nearly every program. The track team is no exception, and is arguably is the top program at the school right now. In the last five years, they have racked up a combined (indoor & outdoor) four runner-up finishes and five national championships.
The Gators stayed local for part of their newest class, picking up Jhonny Victor of Celebration High School in Kissimmee, Florida. Jhonny has been one of the top high jumpers in Florida the past few years, reaching his best jump of 6-10 this past March at the St Cloud Invitational. He went over 6-6 twelve different times in the past two years, winning every meet he competed in as a junior & senior except one; the state championships. Poor weather two straight years in Jacksonville was his only hiccup along the way. Along with his high jump, he picked up triple jump late into his junior year and became a consistent jumper, hitting his top mark of 45-2 to win the 4A-2 region last month. He qualified for state in the long, triple and high jumps this year.
When did you get started in track and field? When did you realize this was something that could get you in to college on scholarship?
When did you get started in track and field? When did you realize this was something that could get you in to college on scholarship?
I got started in track my freshman year. I realized that I could get a college scholarship when I was a junior.
You carry a GPA above 4.0. How important is it for you to be a complete student-athlete.
There are numerous athletes out there with SEC talent, but miss out due to grades. Academics have always been big in my family, so having good grades was a competition among my household. I also keep up my grades because if sports don’t work out, I can still get a good job.
What did you enjoy about the recruiting process?
I enjoyed being in the spotlight. I had coaches calling me all the time and my visit to UF was very enjoyable.
What other schools gave you an offer and why did you ultimately choose the Gators?
I got my very first offer from UF and accepted it because it was the school I always wanted to go to since I was young. Other schools showed interest, but I ultimately I didn’t want to leave the state of Florida.
You have been one of the biggest stars as far as track goes in Osceola County. How do you transition to UF where you will compete in the best conference for the top team in the country?
I will have to work harder and maintain performance at a high level. Also, being around the best will rub off into making me better.
High jump was your specialty while at Celebration. You picked up triple jump and then long jump as well. Do you anticipate doing more of one event than the other while at UF?Yes, I plan on probably doing all three there if I can. I am up for the challenge if it will improve me as a jumper.
Along those same lines with triple jump, UF was home to Olympic medalist Christian Taylor & Will Claye, and 2013 NCAA champion Omar Craddock. Are you excited to follow such established athletes and the prospect to work with some of the best coaches in the ccountry?
I am very excited! To practice with Olympic medalists is a rare that can happen, and for me to possibly have the opportunity to get better with them is a blessing.
Who was your biggest inspiration / mentor along your journey to get to this point today?
My biggest inspiration has to be everyone involved in my life that pushed me including my mother, my three sisters, and my coaches; Coach Green, Fox, Bean and George. Also, thanks to our AD Chris Lavoie and my friends for supporting me.
