Forty-plus years later, her 5-foot, 9-inch high jump still stands as the 10th-best indoor mark of all-time in the history of Illini women's track and field.
So, put down Beverly Washington's favorite campus spot as the Armory — where that magic moment happened in 1977.
“As a student-athlete competing in track and field, I truly enjoyed having the opportunity of practicing and competing in that intimate complex," says the four-time Big Ten champion, now a Chicago-based motivational speaker, TV host and small business owner.
"During our workouts and competitions, the energy was electrifying. The Armory, being a small gym, provided our team members the opportunity to interact with just about anyone traversing through campus. Other students got to know us and would share congratulatory comments as we prepared for upcoming events.
“It was there, in the Armory, where I achieved my best height as a female high jumper and won my event. What an exciting moment.”
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