Jacobs earns NAIA All-American honors

By JOSE NEGRON

jnegron@yourmvi.com

Elizabeth Forward graduate Daniel Jacobs made history last week. 

The Point Park University sophomore became the third athlete in program history to earn NAIA All-American honors with a fifth place finish in the javelin at the NAIA Outdoor Track and Field National Championships May 26 in Gulf Shores, Ala. 

Jacobs finished with an All-American toss of 200 feet, 2 inches (61.01 meters) on his first attempt. He was one of just five competitors to surpass the 200-feet mark. 

“I came into the season wanting to be an All-American and I made that dream come true,” said Jacobs, a 2018 EF grad. “Clearly I wanted a little more, but I am really happy with how this season turned out. This is an honor and it feels good being able to represent the school and the track team at a national level.” Jacobs qualified for the national meet for the second time in his collegiate career. He also did it as a freshman in 2019 when he placed 14th in the nation. 

He admits that his All-American finish is a bit more satisfying this time around considering he didn’t get the opportunity to compete in 2020 when the outdoor season was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. 

“Missing out on last year definitely made me more appreciative of this season as a whole, especially nationals,” Jacobs said. “I spent so much time training last year, only to not be able to compete when COVID came. Finally getting the opportunity to compete again after years, it felt amazing.” 

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