Eastern Washington record-breaking jumper Keshun McGee wants more than Big Sky Conference titles

Before Eastern Washington record-breaking leaper Keshun McGee flies into the sand pit at Roos Field, he sinks his track spikes into the school’s famed red turf to get there.

McGee, who holds EWU’s school record in the long jump (25 feet, 2 inches), is used to getting around the hash marks.

The athletic, muscle-bound junior was a standout running back at Olympic High in Bremerton, using the same burst that’s helped him flourish as a collegiate jumper.

Few recruiters were interested in McGee’s football talents, though, and the ones who were didn’t extend scholarship offers.

Track ultimately helped McGee pay for school, signing with Eastern Washington after winning State 2A titles in the long and triple jump.

His first two years in Cheney were full of urges to put on pads again.

“I definitely wanted to walk on to the football team a couple times, just never went out did it,” said McGee, a first-team All-Olympic League running back. “It was definitely a thinking point for me.

“I didn’t think track was my main sport (in high school). It’s my main sport in college and a great opportunity.”

He’s now aiming for EWU records, Big Sky titles and a coveted berth to the NCAA championships.

Two years ago, McGee was named the Big Sky Conference’s Freshman of the Year.

Last season, he won a Big Sky outdoor title in the long jump and placed second in the triple jump, but came up short of an NCAA berth at the West Regional in Sacramento, California.

Last month, McGee broke EWU’s 40-year-old long jump record held by Vic White (24-10), a mark that ranks No. 33 this season in NCAA Division I.

McGee said he’s capable of hitting 26 feet.

“It’s definitely something I want to reach,” he said. “I think with some wind help, I can get there.”

All-American and recent EWU Hall of Fame inductee Kurt Kraemer ranks No. 1 in EWU history in the triple jump, leaping 53-5 1/2 in 2003.

McGee, who ranks No. 2 on EWU’s record board (51-5), hopes to eclipse Kraemer’s mark before his college career ends in 2020.

Because of a right ankle injury, McGee has had to switch jumping feet in the triple jump.

“Very talented athlete,” EWU jumping coach Dave Nielsen said. “Great spring and a great guy to work with.

“He’s had to change his jump foot in the triple jump, and it can be challenging. But he’s still done well.”

EWU head coach Stan Kerr agreed.

“He had faith in us when he came here,” Kerr said. “And now his hard work is paying off.”

McGee, who medaled in the Junior Olympics, said he thought about walking on to the track team at the University of Miami, but EWU’s offer kept him close to home.

“It’s a great feeling to know you can be among the best, even at a smaller school,” he said. “I can continue to improve here and reach my goals.”

EWU, Idaho, Gonzaga, Whitworth and CCS meet today at the Spokane Memorial Series at Spokane Falls Community College.