Spring Lake Park's CJ Janu has decided to commit to the University of Iowa to run hurdles for the Hawkeyes beginning in the 2013-2014 academic year. Having considered Big Ten rival, the U of MN, as well as Iowa State he ultimately selected the school that felt right. "I fell in love with the college campus as well as the athletes on campus. I really felt connected to the program and overall, that's where my gut was telling me to go. Coach Woody (sprints/hurdle coach for Iowa) is also phenomenal. His resume alone intrigued me to go to Iowa right off the bat."
Janu enters his senior year as one of the top hurdlers in Minnesota, hoping to defend his conference and section titles and make it back to the state meet where he was on the podium for both the 110 and 300 hurdle races. "My favorite memory is when I crossed the line in the 110s and knowing that I was going to state. It was my goal for the longest time and to know that I achieved it was one of the greatest, most satisfying accomplishments I've ever felt"
Janu has big goals at Iowa, hoping to gain All-American status and dreams of one day competing in the Olympics. "it may seem far fetched but I think with the coaching and training I'll receive that the sky's the limit.". He is planning to enter the business school at Iowa and will major in Business Communications.
Janu would tell future athletes with dreams of competing in college to work hard every given minute and don't doubt your goals. "Another tip is to contact the schools that you want to go to. Do not rely on them to contact you."
Personal Bests
55 Meter Hurdles
7.90
110 Meter Hurdles
14.55
300 Meter Hurdles
37.94