Treyshon Malone: All American

Treyshon Malone has been named an all-American for his performance in the long jump during the 2019-20 indoor track and field season. With the award, Malone joins an elite group of Bengal track and field athletes.

Malone is the first Bengal since 2012 to receive the honor when Mike Arnold was named an all-American in the pole vault. With the award, Malone becomes the 27th men’s track and field athlete in ISU history to earn the distinction.

Malone receives the award after being unable to compete in the long jump at the NCAA Indoor Nationals because of the COVID-19 Pandemic.

“When we were at nationals we got the news [about the cancellation of nationals],” said Head track and field coach Hillary Merkley. “It was super deflating in the room. You saw people everywhere just crying. We walked around and finished what we were doing and went to take a picture of Trey sitting on an empty podium. We went back to the hotel to wait for further instructions on what to do next. I went back to my room and cried and I know Trey went back upset and so was Joe. Not in a way that was angry, but you feel defeated after working so hard and not being able to see it through. It is devastating. He was 9th in the country, and I’m glad that the NCAA chose to do it the way they have because it honors his accomplishments up to that point. He is very deserving. This is a big paycheck for all of his hard work and ups and downs over the years. I’m really proud of him for sticking with it and happy he is being recognized.”

Malone wrote a thank you message after receiving the award.

“You know I wasn’t expecting to be selected the way we were selected,” said Malone “I honestly thought that they were going to just forget about the fact we made it to the national meet. When I found out I was selected as an All-American I was at work and I got the biggest smile on my face and I loudly said “are you serious? That’s dope!” It’s good to know that they didn’t forget all of us athletes that made it and put in all the hard work to compete at one of the biggest stages of our lives. Being an All-American means a whole lot to me because it shows that I have been working hard to get that status and all of the blood, sweat, and tears aren’t for nothing. It was one of my biggest dreams to be a part of this status and I finally did it. I am a Division 1 All-American and no one can take that from me.”

Malone will return for next year’s outdoor track and field season after having been granted an extension of eligibility because of the COVID-19 pandemic.