Barefoot, with a bandana wrapped around his head to keep his long locks from falling too far in front of his face, Chris Jaeger would often wander around University Track Stadium strumming his guitar and serenading his teammates during Chico State track and field practices. During meets, he would regularly drum his competition.
The Wildcat of the Week may or may not be done crooning and competing for the Wildcats. Jaeger has a decision to make after Chico State’s track and field campaign was cut very short due to COVID-19. The NCAA has granted seniors another year of eligibility, but only Jaeger can decide what is best for him. However, he has already built a lasting legacy as a high jumper a student-athlete, and a teammate.
Jaeger won the 2016 California Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) high jump title and has finished on the podium at the CCAA Championships three times, registering finishes of first, second and third place. He was also the 2016 CCAA Freshman of the Year.
The senior from Hamilton City is also a two-time United States Track and Field and Cross Country Coaches Association All-West Region honoree. In 27 career collegiate meets, Jaeger has cleared at least 2.00 meters (6-feet-6+) 19 times. His personal record (PR) leap of 2.11 meters—the clearance that claimed his 2016 CCAA Championship—ranks tied for 10th in Chico State history.
Jaeger competed just once this season, at the Kim Duyst Invitational in Turlock. He tied for second in the high jump, and true to form, also debuted a new skill. Jaeger competed in the javelin for the first time, and his heave of 45.12 meters (148-feet-0) ranks 15th in all of NCAA Division II for the 2020 outdoor season. He ranks 7th in the high jump.
Chico State assistant coach John Brunk describes Jaeger as a “Marvel.”
“People are always vibing off him,” Brunk said. “He’s the quintessential teammate. He’s got your back. People just love him.”
Nadia Torkman, a fellow high jumper and teammate, says Jaeger has had a tremendous effect on her and her fellow Wildcats.
“Right off the bat he made a huge impact on us performance-wise and spirit-wise. He’s really a student of the sport. He’s always giving us advice and tips and rooting for everyone to do their best. Even his opponents.
“He’s really positive and compassionate but he’s also a fierce competitor. When it’s time to get fired up for competition, he’s one of the people who spearheads that. It really helps us get in competition mode and reminds us we aren’t just competing for ourselves. We’re competing for the team and to represent our school and our program. Chris really embodies that.”
Brunk marvels at Jaeger’s assortment of abilities.
“From his love for music, appreciation of the outdoors, to his passion for high jump, he is a marvel,” Brunk said. “This guy can fix any part of a car, he can play almost any instrument, he’s a handyman, and he can sing and dance. It feels like he’s a thespian during practice. He even lived in an RV in the forest this summer managing and doing maintenance in campgrounds for his internship.”
Whether Jaeger returns for one more year of track and field is yet to be seen. However, Brunk hopes he will make it back to University Track Stadium one way or another someday.
“He’s going to be a heck of a coach if he decides to go that route,” Brunk said.
