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Minnesota's all-time great long jumper, Juriad Hughes Jr., a senior at Irondale High School, announced his commitment yesterday to compete as a track and field athlete at the University of Arkansas.
Hughes announced his commitment at Irondale High School, choosing Arkansas over a previously announced final four choices that also included TCU, Mississippi State, and the University of South Carolina.
Hughes join an NCAA powerhouse in at Arkansas, a program the recently was the runner-up at the DI NCAA Indoor Track and Field Championships and routinely competes for national titles.
Hughes Jr. is one of the premier long jumpers not only in Minnesota or nationally, but one of the top under-20 jumpers worldwide. This past outdoor track and field season, Hughes placed second at the USATF U20 Championships in the long jump, 1st at Nike Nationals Outdoor, 1st at Nike Nationals Indoor, and 1st at the Pan American U20 Championships.
Before going to nationals and international meets, Hughes Jr. bulldozed his way through the competition in Minnesota last year, winning 11 long jump titles across the indoor and outdoor seasons in Minnesota in 2023 and the surrounding areas.
During those 11 wins, he demolished both the indoor and outdoor records in Minnesota for the long jump with matching jumps of 24' 11".
Hughes has continued his run this 2023-24 indoor track and field season, ranking as the #2 indoor long jumper nationally this season with his mark of 24' 10". Hughes also finished 5th at Nike Indoor Nationals in the long jump.
Hughes's decision to commit to the University of Arkansas marks a significant milestone in his already illustrious track and field career. His choice of Arkansas over other esteemed programs underscores the university's reputation as a top-tier athletic institution. Joining the Razorbacks, Hughes will have the opportunity to further hone his skills and compete at the highest levels of collegiate track and field. With his exceptional talent and dedication, Hughes is poised to make a lasting impact on the sport, both nationally and internationally.
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