CHAMPAIGN, Ill. – Fighting Illini junior high jumper Kandie Bloch-Jones was named the University of Illinois Scholar Athlete of the Week after her performance at the EIU Early Bird meet on December 11.
The Argenta, Illinois native cleared 5-101/2 feet during the season's opening weekend, earning her a first-place tie as the Illini scored 108 points and finished second. Bloch-Jones received the Big Ten Field Athlete of the Week honor on December 16 to recognize her opening weekend performance.
The junior enters her third season as an Illini after winning the indoor Big Ten high jump title as a freshman and qualifying for NCAA Championships last season, placing 20th overall.
Outside of being a leader on the track and field, Bloch-Jones also excels in the classroom, earning a 3.15 GPA while majoring in childhood education.
The Orange and Blue will return to action after the New Year when they host the second annual Border Battle at the UI Armory on January 9.
