Breehana Jacobs signs letter-of-intent to attend South Carolina
The University of South Carolina’s track and field program has been one of the country’s best over the past 10 years. That consistency played a major role in helping Laurel Highlands’ sprinter Breehana Jacobs make a very tough choice.
Surrounded by her family, Jacobs signed a letter-of-intent Friday to attend South Carolina and join a Gamecocks’ program which has produced 53 NCAA champions, 350 All-Americans and several Olympians since head coach Curtis Frye took over 11 years ago.
“It was very important for me to choose a program that was a consistent force at the national level,” Jacobs said.
Jacobs herself has been a force the past three years, and will look to become a four-time WPIAL champion in the 100 meters later this spring. She is a two-time defending PIAA champion in the 100, and also won gold medals in the 200 at both levels a year ago.
Along with South Carolina, the University of Miami, Arizona State and Auburn heavily recruited Jacobs. It became clear to Jacobs early on that it would be a two-school race between Miami and South Carolina.
Jacobs visited Miami in late January, and met with alum Lauryn Williams, the former WPIAL and PIAA star who later went on to become an NCAA and World champion in the 100, and win a silver medal in the event at the 2004 Summer Olympics.
Two weeks ago, Jacobs and her stepfather, Corey Brown, spent two nights at South Carolina’s campus, where the two met with Frye and attended a practice.
“(After I visited Miami) I didn’t have my mind made up, but I knew I had my choices narrowed down to two,” Jacobs said. “When I went to South Carolina, I really connected with the girls (on the team) and it seemed like the coach really knew what he was doing. And I also have family in Charlotte.
“I also liked the fact that South Carolina has had strong recruiting classes the past couple years.”
Jacobs said she will be competing in the 100, 200 and possibly the 400 and two relays. She also pointed out her scholarship isn’t just a free ride, as it will be renewed on a yearly basis only after certain academic and athletic requirements are fulfilled.
Along with Jacobs and her family, Laurel Highlands girls track and field coach Ron Morris was present Friday, when the group met in the main office at the high school for a signing picture.
Morris had nothing but glowing remarks for Jacobs and her collegiate choice.
“I’m extremely happy with Breehana and her family’s selection of the nationally-ranked University of South Carolina for her academic and athletic choice.
“Breehana will be an asset and make an immediate impact towards the continued success of South Carolina’s track and field program. Most people just visit South Carolina for a vacation. Breehana has been invited to stay four years.”
Morris also talked about a day three years ago when he first met Jacobs in the same office where she signed her letter-of-intent.
Jacobs had just transferred from Uniontown High School during her sophomore year, and to this point, Morris had known her only as a rival competitor.
“I saw her run for the first time in a dual meet against us when she was a freshman,” Morris said. “I never spoke to her but I knew she was a quality runner. The second time I saw her was at a Southern qualifier (at West Mifflin) and then it was at the WPIAL finals.
“The next time I saw her was when she was walking in the hallway (at Laurel Highlands) toward the office. I asked (office secretary) Mary Yonker who she was and I noticed she looked athletic. I started to nose around and I finally asked the young lady if she was involved in sports. She said ‘Yes’ and I asked, ‘What sport are you involved in?'”
“That’s when I heard the magic words: track and field.”
With her high school career winding down, Jacobs is hoping her time at South Carolina proves to be just as magical.