Bennett Schwenn, an alumnus of the MHS Class of 2022, has broken the long jump record set in 1978 at the University of South Dakota. Schwenn, a sophomore finance major, claimed the new record during the Summit League Indoor Championships held February 23-24 in Fargo, North Dakota. Schwenn jumped 24’ 11” to eclipse the previous record of 24’ 10 ¼” set by Don Maryott. He also blew by the second-place jumper at the Fargo meet by over eight inches.
“The meet started much like others,” Schwenn commented, ”but with the added excitement of a championship atmosphere.” He says his jet fuel is typically an energy drink, which he consumes an hour and a half before jumping, and he snacks on watermelon sour patch kids between each jump.
As his jump time gets closer, he apparently relies more on his hours of preparation and the confident spontaneity that athletes call the Zone. “I try not to overthink going into my jumps because if I start to think about too many things, then the jump tends not to go well. I tend to focus on one thing for each jump, which is usually either to push out on my start or to look up during the actual jump.”
During his record-breaking leap in Fargo, he recalled, “I knew I had good speed on the runway, and I held that speed through my take off. I also knew I got good height when I got into the actual jump. I am typically a very positive individual, so I always believe in myself to execute under pressure.”
Did he realize his jump was one for the books? “I felt like it was a good jump, and it had the potential to be a personal best. The school record never really crossed my mind. I honestly didn’t process that it was the record until my teammates told me after I was on the award stand.”
Schwenn said he and his teammates celebrated the milestone along with their team victory, when the Coyotes’ bus got back to Vermillion. “Our team is very close, and I can always see how much everyone cares for one another.” His teammates also serve as role models for him, and he especially is inspired by two of his long and triple jump teammates. “We are always competing with each other, even at practice, and it makes us get better together. They always have my back and want to see me succeed, so it inspires me to want to do well.”
His coaches also push him every day at practice to encourage him to reach the potential they see in him, and his entire team is very supportive, and they make each practice enjoyable. “Our sprinting workouts definitely contribute to making me a successful jumper,” he noted. “Without speed on the runway, it doesn’t matter how well the actual jump is because the speed is what carries you through the air to achieve far distances.”
As a freshman last year, he was a member of the Coyotes’ Summit League Championship title-winning team, and he tied for the most points by a true freshman at the conference meet. He tallied 10 top-10 indoor finishes. Outdoors, he recorded four top-10 finishes in three outdoor meets and made the Summit League honor roll.
Schwenn was also a standout athlete at Milbank High. Looking back at his time as a Bulldog, he said, “I am fortunate to continue my athletics at the next level, but I miss the multiple sports I had the opportunity to participate in at MHS and the coaches and teammates that supported me. He played football for Milbank and was a three-time state champion in track. He swept the triple and long jumps at the 2021 South Dakota Class A State Track and Field Championships, and was chosen the 2021 South Dakota Class A Field Event MVP. He was instrumental in leading the Bulldogs to a runner-up team finish. Schwenn, the son of Rick and Miriam Schwenn, also emphasized how much he appreciates the continuous support he receives from people back home.
The 2024 seniors at his alma mater in Milbank are now in the midst of choosing colleges and making career plans for their futures, too. Schwenn offered them this advice: “Start by finding something you are passionate about and find somewhere that allows you to pursue that desired interest. Doing something you love with the people you love will bring you endless joy.”
Submitted Photos
Staff
