APPLETON, Wis. (WGBA) -- Like thousands of other athletes across the nation, Appleton native Ben Gucinski saw his career cut short when the Big Ten and NCAA canceled spring sports nearly two weeks ago amid coronavirus concerns.
Gucinski was one of the top high jumpers on the University of Minnesota track and field team. As a senior at Fox Valley Lutheran, he set the WIAA state record in the high jump, at 7'1", and said he was hoping to clear seven feet again this spring.
“To not be able to have the last big part of our outdoor season really leaves you with a question mark in your head," he said. "Could I have done better? Would I have done better? How would I have seized those opportunities? So yeah, as I senior I really didn’t see my career ending like this."
The NCAA plans to grant an extra year of eligibility to seniors like Gucinski who did not get to finish their careers. However, he said that won't work with his future. He plans to graduate and enter the work force next December.
