Burges grad KeAndre Bates adds triple jump national title to tally

Most athletes would be happy with just one national title, but that’s not good enough for former Burges High School standout KeAndre Bates.

After winning gold in the long jump on Wednesday, Bates turned in another stellar performance in the triple jump on Friday to win his second national title in three days at the NCAA Outdoor Track and Field National Championships.

Bates, now a junior competing for the Florida Gators, recorded a mark of 16.76 meters (55′) to claim the top spot in the triple jump.

His mark was 6.5 inches better than that of the second-place finisher, Clive Pullen of Arkansas.

Bates was named the Indoor Field Athlete of the Year earlier this season, and has now followed that award with two national titles at the outdoor championships in Eugene, Oregon.

His two championship performances earned Florida 20 crucial points to help the Gators repeat as team outdoor champions.