Piatt’s OT: Centennial jumpers Makabu, Hunt to compete at D-I level

CHAMPAIGN If youre a fan of Centennial track and field, you know the names Voldy Makabu and Noelle Hunt, the Chargers record-holders in the boys high jump and girls long jump.

Shoot, these seniors are starting to make a name for themselves across all of Illinois and even the nation.

Makabu won a Class 3A state title in the high jump as a sophomore and was the runner-up last year, which he followed with a 10th-place finish at the New Balance Nationals that summer.

Hunt had competed at state before, but last spring was when she really took the next step, winning all but one long jump competition ahead of state and ultimately finishing 11th at OBrien Field on the Eastern Illinois University campus in Charleston before placing 26th at the AAU Junior Olympics two months later.

Speaking of next steps, Makabu and Hunt have both decided what theirs is going to be.

This past November, they signed their letters of intent to continue jumping at the collegiate level, with Makabu heading to Illinois State and Hunt bound for Toledo.

I was really excited, Makabu said.

When I went on my visit, it felt like home.

Not too big, not too small, so it was somewhere I could see myself.

Its an amazing feeling, and Im just here to get better and better.

The recruitment process was definitely long and hard, Hunt said.

I went to about 12 states in the process, but Im really happy with where I ended up.

It was definitely all worth it in the end.

Toledo just had everything and checked off all the boxes in terms of academics, the social aspect, the team and the financial parts.

Outside of the at-home campus feeling, Makabu said Illinois State assistant coach Jake Jacoby played a big role in his decision to become a Redbird.

Jacoby was a three-time NCAA All-American high-jumper at Boise State and won the 1984 outdoor national championship in the event.

Big shoutout to coach Jacoby, Makabu said.

He was an amazing jumper and taught me all about it.

He wanted to develop me.

Hunt is planning to do the long jump, triple jump and sprints at Toledo.

She said shes wanted to compete in college since she started playing sports.

Not only is she realizing her dream, but she also has the opportunity to help establish a successful tradition for the Rockets.

The head coach has built a really good distance program, and theyre building their jumps, Hunt said.

Im really excited to be a part of that and grow the team.

Before they do that, however, theyll have one final ride with Centennial, and they both have big plans.

Other than reclaiming his state title, Makabu has a personal mark hed like to reach, a height he came a better-timed kick away from clearing at last years Twin City meet.

Jump 7 feet, Makabu said with a smile.

Its going to take hard work and dedication.

Hunt is also just a few inches away from her goal, and shed love to be in the mix when she plans on returning to OBrien Field for the final time in Charger blue this spring.

Im super excited.

I think this is going to be Centennials best year yet, Hunt said.

I know I have some big jumps coming up this season.

Im hoping to hit over 19 feet in the long jump and get on the podium at the state meet.

A look ahead This weeks boys finalists are Tre Cole of Champaign Central basketball, Ryan Hopkins of Fisher basketball, Keison Peoples of Bismarck-Henning/Rossville-Alvin basketball and Tanner Siems of St.

Joseph-Ogden basketball.

The girls finalists are Ava Beldo of Centennial wrestling, Rickasia Ivy of Urbana wrestling, Yuri Vilchis of Prairie Central wrestling and Taylor Wells of Oakwood wrestling.

Head to the prep sports tab at news-gazette.com to cast your vote before the polls close at noon on Thursday..

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