LONG JUMPER FINNIE COMPETES AT NJCAA NATIONAL INDOOR CHAMPIONSHIPS

WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. -- Sophomore long jump specialist Marcus Finnie competed at the NJCAA National Indoor Championships on Friday afternoon being held in Winston-Salem, N.C., and in a competitive field of 25 of the nation's finest long jumpers, Finnie finished 17th overall.

Finnie had three jumps in the competition. He fouled on his first, earned a 6.72 meter jump in his second attempt and a 6.68 meters in his final leap. His average distance was (6.72) or 22'00.75 feet.

Fabian Edoki, a freshman from South Plains, won the competition with an average distance of 7.52 or 24'08.25 feet.

"I couldn't get my landing phase to work with me, so it was a tough day," said Finnie. "I take it as a learning experience and I am glad I had the chance to make it to an indoor nationals meet to see where I stand before I switch over to my outdoor season. Now that the indoor season is out of the way I am going to set my goal to make it back again to outdoor nationals in Texas and this time come out an All-America and have a greater personal best in both the long jump and 100 meter dash."

As a freshman, Finnie qualified for the NJCAA National Outdoor Championships in the long jump.