PINE BLUFF, Ark. — UAPB high jumper Caleb Snowden will hope to make history this week at the NCAA track and field national championship.
If Snowden wins the high jump title, then he'll be the first athlete from an HBCU to win a national title in the event.
"I really don't feel any pressure because I know that if I do what I need to do, I should get the job done and come home with at least you know, a medal, "Snowden explained.
Assistant Coach Natoya Baird-Davidson shared that they're prepared for whatever is ahead.
"The work has been done. We want to win and you have to have that mentality that's like we've got to do whatever it takes to win. So whatever height it is, we got to do it and make sure we come out on top, " said Coach Baird-Davidson.
Snowden has the second-best mark in the nation, clearing a height of 7'5.25" this season. This isn't his first time at NCAAs, he made it to nationals last year and finished 11th.
He shared what has been different between last year and this season.
"I've been more consistent with my jumps and more consistent over the bar and just having another mindset of just coming in and just being the best I can be," Snowden added.
"He's still a bit shy, still quiet. I call him my silent assassin. I feel like as a disappointment came from freshman year and sophomore year, it gave him fuel to go to the next year and say, I can't feel like this again, " Coach Baird-Davidson said.
Snowden, who is a a Lehigh, Florida native, started his athletics career as a basketball player, but then eventually found the high jump in high school after his assistant principal recommended him to try it.
Then, UAPB recruited him and the rest is history.
"I feel like it just came easier to high jump and more opportunities came for high jump than basketball," he described.
With 2024 being an Olympic year Snowden has been keeping his options open, but he does have the #10 mark nationally amongst professionals as well.
Whatever he decides to do, Snowden said he's happy to represent HBCUs at the highest collegiate stage in track and field.
"Anything is possible. I feel like there are a lot of great athletes who might not get coverage from HBCUs and be in this position. I feel like the fan base in the community is very supportive," Snowden added.