MEYSTEDT FINALLY NABS NCAA BERTH; LOCAL ATHLETE REACHES NEW HEIGHTS AT UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI

When Jay Meystedt graduated from Cape Girardeau Central High School in 1996 as one of the nation's premier prep high-jumpers, he figured competing in the NCAA Division I Track & Field Championships would be an annual occurrence.

Little did Meystedt know how tough it would be to get there, which has made his senior season at the University of Missouri that much more gratifying.

Meystedt will be making his first appearance at nationals this week as the Division I Outdoor Championships are held in Eguene, Ore. He met the qualifying standard by clearing a career-best 7 feet 2 1/2 inches during a May 12 meet in Emporia, Kan.

"It's been the dream of mine and it's been a long struggle, but it's here," said Meystedt, who left for Oregon Monday and is scheduled to compete Thursday. "I've been on the (provisional qualifying) list a few times, but I was just not high enough to get in. Now I finally got there and I'm just so excited to make it to the national scene."

Primarily because of injuries, Meystedt's college athletic career hasn't gone like he had originally planned after he won three consecutive Class 4A high-jump titles at Cape Central and as a senior was ranked third nationally with a best of 7-2 1/4.

"I came in thinking it was the Jay Meystedt show but I got hurt a few times. You name it, I've had it," said a laughing Meystedt, who listed back, ankle, knee and hamstring injuries among his ailments, with the ankle requiring surgery. "So I finally think I'm getting out of the darkness and into the light so to speak."

Meystedt credits his faith for helping him not only handle the setbacks but also for keeping everything in the proper perspective.

"Coming out of high school it was all about me. I thought I was on top of the world and a few more inches would get me whatever I wanted," he said. "I think the injuries and everything made me realize there is more to life than track, that there will be setbacks and trials in life and you have to handle those.

"I know every day is a blessing. I don't take anything for granted. I know the Lord has blessed me as far as talent is concerned, to be a Division I athlete on full scholarship. I give full credit to the Lord. I mean that, because before I came here, it wasn't about that, it was about myself. That's not the case anymore. It's been a total growing experience, a humbling experience."

Despite all of the injuries that forced him to miss two outdoor seasons, Meystedt had still put together a solid collegiate career -- by most standards -- even before this outdoor campaign, when he not only qualified for nationals but also won his first Big 12 Conference title.

Meystedt had placed in the top seven in five previous Big 12 indoor and outdoor meets, including a second-place outdoor finish last year. It's just that he expected so much more after what he did in high school.

"In high school, I jumped only a quarter-inch less than what my best jump in college has been," he said. "But I feel like I've really been starting to put it together lately and hopefully that will continue at nationals."

Meystedt, who is technically a fifth-year senior, graduated from Missouri earlier this month, earning a degree in hotel and restaurant management. He has appealed to the NCAA for a hardship outdoor season next year and if that comes through, he'll take some graduate classes as he continues to compete on the collegiate level.

"I should find out about that soon," he said.

In the meantime, Meystedt is focusing all of his attention on this week's national meet. It's taken him roughly five years to surpass his top high school jump, but he feels he has a lot more in him than the 7-2 1/2 he recently cleared.

"I'm just going to take it one jump at a time. 7-4 1/2 qualifies for USA Nationals in two weeks and that's the height I'm looking for, whatever that gets me," he said. "I think it's definitely feasible, just a matter of timing and who's on that day."