Carter's Corner: Dendy Blasted Off at UF
Friday, December 18, 2015 | Track and Field, Scott Carter
Former Gator standout claimed his sport's top prize Thursday night
GAINESVILLE, Fla. – The time finally arrived Thursday night and Marquis Dendy anxiously awaited to hear the final outcome.
The first NCAA triple jumper to surpass 57 feet at both the indoor and outdoor national finals in the same season since Mike Conley 30 years ago, Dendy received good news.
He was the first Gator in school history to win The Bowerman, college track and field's equivalent of the Heisman Trophy.
"When I heard my name called, it just lit me up,'' Dendy said late Thursday from San Antonio, Texas. "To actually win it, it means more than anything. Made me feel really awesome."
Dendy was one of three finalists, joining Akron pole vaulter Shawn Barber and Oregon distance runner Edward Cheserek.
Dendy was dominant in his final season at Florida, winning four national championships, becoming the third athlete in history to sweep the triple-jump and long-jump titles at three consecutive NCAA Championships.
When Dendy arrived at UF from Middletown, Del., he was looked upon to continue Florida's tradition of prolific jumpers in recent years. Former Gators Christian Taylor and Will Claye won gold and silver at the 2012 Beijing Olympics in the triple jump.
Dendy did that and more, winning seven national titles and earning 13 All-American honors during his college career.
"I came so, so far,'' Dendy said of his time at UF. "I grew mentally, which kind of paved the way."
Gators assistant coach Nic Petersen, who specializes in working with the jumpers, said on the live stream of The Bowerman ceremony that Dendy is the kind of athlete that makes you stop and watch when he performs.
"Any time Marquis is on the runway, he's going to put on a show,'' Petersen said. "It's just incredible, the things he's accomplished."
Dendy's biggest challenge at UF came after he suffered a serious shoulder injury at the IAAF World Championships in Moscow in 2013. He underwent surgery to repair the damage and was not his best during the 2014 indoor season.
Once he returned to form, Dendy dominated.
Dendy continues to train at Florida and has an eye on the 2016 World Indoor Championships in March in Portland, Ore. He is also expected to be a strong contender for a medal at the Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro.
On Thursday night, instead of sprinting toward another launch into the air, Dendy paused to reflect.
"It feels good to have my final season capped off with such a great award,'' he said. "I wasn't really focused on getting the award. I just wanted to show off my talents and if I get the award, I get it. I ended up doing that, which means a whole lot. The emotions are definitely flowing right now."
