Getting to Know Jared Harrell

Jared Harrell doesn't seem like a freshman. Tall, confident, emanating athleticism. He's looks like a junior rounding into form. But Jared is a freshman. He was named AAC Freshman of the Year indoors after winning a conference title in his first go in the triple jump and taking fourth in the long jump.

He's leapt his way into the program record books in his first season in Greenville and he's just getting started. He already ranks in the top 10 in program history in the indoor and outdoor triple jump as well as the indoor long jump. Coach Viershanie Latham describes Jared as "coachable, dependable, consistent and a student of his craft."

But who is the kid out of Morrisville? Let's get to know Jared Harrell.

When did you first get into track & field?
I got into track and field in about fifth grade. Actually, there was a kid who was faster than me on the football team and I asked him what he did. He said track and field, you've got to try it. So, I came out and tried it. And I've been in love ever since.

What is the first track & field event you remember watching?
I probably remember watching Carl Lewis versus Mike Powell (editorial note: Jared is talking about the duel between Lewis and Powell in the long jump at the 1991 World Championships. It's still on YouTube. You should watch it, it's fantastic.). I remember watching that and I just thought they were flying, and I wanted to do the same.

What athlete do you admire/emulate most?
Probably Pablo Pichardo, the triple jumper because he's really chill and has a lot of swagger jumping so I like that and try to replicate it a little bit.

How did you end up at ECU?
Actually, I tore my meniscus my junior year, so recruiting stopped a little bit, and then I was able to put up a few marks senior year and they were able to recruit me. I was really thankful for the opportunity that they gave me.

At what point did you feel like you could have the early success you have?
When I came out in my second indoor meet, I jumped the number one jump in the conference and said 'I've really good a shot at this thing' so I'm going to go out here and give it my all.

What are your short- and long-term goals?
Short term goal is going to be making it to Nationals and making Team USA at U-20s and trying to get another conference championship under my belt for outdoor. Long-term goals are to set the school record and eventually become an All-American.

Jared and the Pirates will be in action looking to bring home more hardware as they compete at the AAC Outdoor Championships on May 12-14 in Tampa, Fla.

Players Mentioned

Jared Harrell

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