Centennial grad Makabu flying high with Redbird track
· Yahoo Sports
NORMAL, Ill. (WCIA) – Champaign native Voldy Makabu has reached impressive heights in his first year of college track and field.
Visit moryak.biz for more information.
Makabu secured three top-ten finishes at the IHSA state meet while competing for the Chargers, and has quickly found success at the next level with Illinois State.
He cleared a 2.12 meter bar indoors at the Windy City Invite, in Chicago, to win the meet. Outdoors, he jumped 2.11 meters to finish third at the John McDonnell Invitational in Fayeteville, Arkansas.
“His over the bar technique has significantly improved,” Illinois State head track and field coach Jeff Bovee said. “His pop off the ground looks fantastic.”
Bovee says it’s won’t surprise him if Makabu clears a bar north of 7 feet before the end of his freshman campaign.
“His consistency is what you really see a big difference in, too,” Bovee said.
The Redbird coach saw talent and potential when recruiting the Centennial Charger. How high is the ceiling for this young jumper?
“He’s still very new to the sport, and he’s got just tremendous vertical abilities,” Bovee said. “He loves the sport. He loves to compete. So, when you combine all those things together you’re going to see some special things. Who knows how far he gets but I know he’s got his eye on getting to [Nationals at] Eugene this year… He wants to be there now. So, we’ll see. I think it’s a possibility for sure.”
ISU is preparing for the Missouri Valley conference meet, taking place in Terre Haute, Indiana May 16-17.
Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WCIA.com.