After placing fourth in the men’s long jump on the first day of the 2017 NCAA Division II Men’s Track & Field Championships, Cervantes Jackson earned a spot in the history books on Friday afternoon. Jackson won the national title in the men’s triple jump.

Jackson recorded a leap of 16.30 Meters (53.48 feet) to lead the field and earn the top spot. In last year’s national meet, he finished fifth in the triple jump.

Jackson is Albany State’s first national champion in track and field since 2009.

With Jackson’s 10 first place points, Albany State is currently fourth in the team standings with 15 points. Ashland leads the field with 31 points, followed by Texas A&M-Commerce with 19 points. Tiffin and Central Missouri are tied for third with 16 points.

“We are very excited and proud of the accomplishments that Cervantes Jackson is having in track and field at Albany State University,” said Bainbridge track coach Larry Clark. “He is a very gifted athlete that performed extremely well in high school as well.”

On Saturday afternoon, Cervantes Jackson reached new heights at the 2017 NCAA Division II Outdoor Track & Field Championships. After winning the national title in the men’s triple jump on Friday, the sophomore from Bainbridge, Ga. recorded a personal best in the high jump to win his second national title at the event.

Jackson recorded a height of 7 feet -1inch to defeat Tanner Stepp of Carson-Newman, who finished at 6 feet-11 ¾ inches. Jackson is the first Golden Ram in school history to win NCAA titles in two field events.

With his two national titles and fourth place finish in the long jump on Thursday, Jackson will be named as an All-American in all three events.

“It is great to know that he is a national champion in two field events in Division II,” said Clark.

“This speaks well for his training and commitment for excellence in the area of track and field.