STORRS, Conn.- The 2025 indoor track & field season has been historic for the UConn Huskies. Two weeks ago, the men's and women's team continued their dominance in the BIG EAST, with both programs winning their fourth indoor championship in a row. Thirty-seven Huskies were named to the all-BIG EAST team, with strong performances across the board. This weekend, two Huskies will continue their standout individual seasons at the NCAA Indoor Track & Field Championships at Virginia Beach.

Marc Morrison (Orlando, Fla.) and Kyle Johnson (Montverde, Fla.) have both made history for UConn this season. In his senior season, Morrison has shined in the long jump, setting a program record in the event with an impressive performance of 7.86m at the Penn 10 Elite Meet in January that pushed him to the NCAA Championships. Morrison excelled at the BIG EAST Championships, taking the crown in the long jump at 7.69m, and securing the silver medal in the triple jump at 14.82m., behind Johnson. The senior has been a prime time performer throughout his UConn career, qualifying for the 2023 Outdoor Championships in the long jump, taking his talents to Eugene and finishing 19^th in the country with a jump of 7.52m. After securing his spot in the 2024 NCAA East First Round last outdoor season, Morrison is back on the national stage in his senior season for the indoor championships, ready to continue the historic run in Virginia Beach.

"Like Kyle [Johnson] and I have been saying, we're viewing this as just another meet," Morrison said.  "We're going to have fun, compete, and do what we do best."

While Morrison makes his return to the NCAA Championships, Johnson will make his NCAA Championships debut in the triple jump. The sophomore has put together several breakout performances in the 2024-2025 indoor track & field season, setting the UConn indoor program record in the triple jump at 16.07m at the Coach Greg Roy-al Rumble in Storrs at the beginning of February. Johnson took home hardware of his own in Chicago at the BIG EAST Championships, securing the triple jump championship with a jump of 15.60m. Johnson's first season in Storrs proved to be a sign of things to come, winning the triple jump at both the BIG EAST Indoor and Outdoor Championships, joining Morrison in the NCAA East First Round last season as well.

"It feels pretty good to qualify and get on the national stage and compete with some of the top dogs and make a name for myself and the programs," said Johnson.

Both Johnson and Morrison have been key contributors to a jumping squad that has received national prominence throughout the season, being ranked in the event squad top 10 in the long jump and triple jump. While the results of the season are shining through now, both jumpers have made it clear that the foundation has been set for a while.

"It all starts in the summer [in Orlando]. We've been working since the summer, working on Thanksgiving Break and December Break," Morrison emphasized. "That's what separates us from everyone else."

"It all starts in the summer, and building yourself up," Johnson echoed. "It starts with your mentality, doing the little things when everybody else isn't."

As both record breakers gear up for their trip to Virginia Beach, they have gained perspective on what their NCAA appearances mean to the UConn track & field program.

"Not many of us go to NCAAs, so it's a pretty big deal to represent UConn and ourselves, to compete and put us on the map," said Morrison.

"I feel like it's an honor to represent UConn on a national stage," Johnson emphasized. "Not many people get the chance to make a name not just for ourselves, but for the chance to put the program on the map."

Quote from Director of Track & Field Beth Alford-Sullivan:

"What a great accomplishment for Marc and Kyle.  Both setting school records and both making the Indoor NCAA meet.  This is the first time in a long time UConn has had 2 men at the indoor championships and I am extremely proud of these guys.  I am excited to see them compete the best of the best this weekend and see where they land!"

Morrison and Johnson will both have their chance to put UConn track & field on the national stage this weekend in Virginia Beach, with Morrison competing in the long jump on Friday at 7:00pm, and Johnson in the triple jump on Saturday at 5:20pm. The NCAA Division I Track & Field Indoor Championships will be streaming on ESPN+ throughout the weekend.