Fredonia State junior Cameron Sample placed fourth in the long jump at nationals to achieve All-American status in the event. Photo courtesy of Fredonia State Athletics

GENEVA, Ohio — Fredonia State junior Cameron Sample (Niagara Falls/Niagara Falls) became the latest Fredonia State Track member to earn All American Status. The long jumper finished fourth at the NCAA Championship Meet held at the Spire Institute in Geneva, Ohio on Thursday. Sample cleared 7.33m (24′ 3 1/2”). The jump was just a hair under his PR of 7.36m. The Top 8 finishers receive All American Status.

“Honestly, I went into the meet just trying to be myself, stay humble, and keep my composure like always,” said Sample. “Once long jump began, the nerves came and went, but I knew that once I got loud on the runway, that’s when the meet really started for me. Overall, the experience was surreal, and I couldn’t have asked for better competition.”

Sample entered the championships seeded eighth, but was able to move up four spots to fourth place. Those ahead of him were: Joshua Rivers (Wisc.-Oshkosh) at 7.56m; Damico Walker (Ripon) at 7.40m; and Caleb Wright (Wisc.-Oshkosh) at 7.39m.

The conditions were less than ideal. There was a constant mist, and heavy rains at times, plus a consistent tailwind at 10-15 mph. Head coach Tom Wilson felt that may have played into Sample’s favor since he experienced similar conditions during the past outdoor season.

“A lot of hours and a lot of emotions went into this year and preparing for a chance like nationals,” said Wilson. “Cam is undoubtedly deserving and has worked so hard for this. Seeing it pay off is something I’ll always cherish and I can’t wait to go at it again in the fall”.

Sample’s top leap came on his third of six jumps. He also had leaps of 7.03m, 6.91m, 6.82, 7.02, and one foul.

Assistant track coach and Fredonia State record holder in the 200m and 400m sprints Nick Abdo trained Sample extensively and also expressed pride in his performance.

“Anytime a student athlete puts in 100% focus on themselves, both on and off the track it usually pays off in the end,” Abdo said. “The goal was to win a conference title — we got two — then hit an early season mark that would take him to nationals. Cam did all those things and now he gets to relax and reflect on what hard work did for him. It’s a long haul from the starting point in September till now, but he stayed focused and confident this entire year. He is building his legacy and I am grateful to be a part of it.”

This concludes a well-decorated year for Sample. He was named the Fredonia State Male Athlete of the Year, was a SUNYAC Champion in the long jump in both the Indoor and Outdoor seasons, and was also named the FSU Male Athlete of the Week five times.