I was scoring the long jump a couple year's ago in the Flint Olmpian games and I remember this big kid jumping in the 13 and under age group, at 13 this kid was at least 5 inches taller than me. So I said to myself this kid isn't 13 it's got to be a misprint so I put him up an age group to the 14-15-age division. Later on during the meet the kid came up to me and said" I broke the record I am in the 13 and under age group". Sure enough he was only 13, and ever since that day I have followed this young man's progress.
That's why I was really happy to see Jeff Kline of Flushing High school sign with the University of Michigan Men's track team last week. Getting to Michigan hasn't been easy for Jeff. He has never made the Michigan State finals in either of his three years in High school. Competing in one of the toughest Regional track meets in the whole State. Jeff has been either sick or came up short. The coaches at Michigan looked past that and might have gotten the biggest steal in the Big ten. This Monday Jeff leaped the farthest jump in Michigan indoor track and field in the last 8 years 23'1. 5" without spikes. Which is also the 5th best jump in the Big ten this indoor season. Just imagine if he had spikes on?
I sat down with Jeff yesterday for a little Q and A to see what his plans were for this season and beyond.
Milesplit: When did you start long jumping?
Jeff Klein: "When I was in Middle school"
Milesplit: When did you realize this was the event for you?
Jeff Klein: "Around the same time. I went to an event in Middle school and I was so much better than all the other kids I knew this was the event for me".
Milesplit: What is the biggest track meet you ever competed in?
Jeff Klein: "The USATF Junior Olympics in Maryland in 2006 and in California in 2007"
Milesplit: Who has been the biggest influence on your track career?
Jeff Klien: "My brother Jason he was a long jumper and I watched him do it."
Milesplit: What made you choose Michigan?
Jeff Klien: "It is close to home so my family and friends could see me compete. They are currently ranked 13th in the country. But most importantly it was the academics. I read they are one of the top 10 schools in the world so it's a win, win situation for me."
Milesplit: What are your goals for this season?
Jeff Klein: I would like to win States in the long jump both indoor and outdoor.
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