After three dominant seasons representing Central State College, two-time HBCU All-American excessive jumper Amarianna Lofton is formally taking her abilities to the Massive Ten. Lofton, one of the embellished athletes in CSU historical past, has signed a full-ride scholarship to proceed her observe and discipline profession at Purdue College.
For Lofton, it’s a leap — actually and figuratively — from the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Convention (SIAC) of Division II to among the recreation’s best runways and pits.
However whilst she prepares for her subsequent chapter within the Massive Ten, Central State made it clear: this isn’t simply an athlete transferring on — that is household.
“One factor’s for certain: as soon as a Marauder, at all times a Marauder,” stated CSU Athletic Director Kevicia Brown. ” I’ve had the privilege of watching her blossom each on and off the observe — from steadily bettering in her occasions and breaking private information, to not too long ago signing with Purdue College. Her dedication, drive, and athleticism are matched solely by her vibrant spirit.”
It’s a send-off that speaks volumes about how HBCUs prioritize their athletes’ well-being, development, and futures, not simply what they convey to the scoreboard. In a world the place transfers can generally really feel transactional, Central State’s public celebration of Lofton’s success is a masterclass in how these establishments spend money on the entire particular person, not simply the competitor.
A Championship Résumé
Amarianna Lofton leaves behind one of the stacked résumés in CSU observe historical past:
2x SIAC Excessive Soar Champion
3x HBCU Showcase Excessive Soar Champion
2x Indoor Excessive Soar Convention Champion
Lengthy Soar Champion
100m Hurdle Champion
60m Indoor Hurdle Champion
However ask her about her favourite recollections? It wasn’t the medals. It was the moments.
“My funniest day was when Darcey Dorris and I organized a group bonding day on the park,” she recalled. “We had meals, we performed video games, we laughed — it was only a day to mirror and admire one another. That meant the world to me. It’s going to be onerous to depart, and the atmosphere at CSU is so caring. Everybody right here believed in me and supported me. I’m going to overlook that.”
The Double-Edged Sword of the Switch Portal
Lofton’s transfer mirrors a development reshaping the HBCU sports activities panorama. Her departure comes on the heels of different high-profile transfers like Jamarion Stubbs and Tyson Williams. Each electrical playmakers who not too long ago left HBCU applications for larger platforms at Energy 4 applications.
For HBCUs, it’s a double-edged sword. On one hand, it’s proof that these applications are creating high-level expertise that may compete anyplace. On the opposite, it highlights the problem of retaining athletes who naturally entice consideration from Energy 4 faculties as soon as they get away.
It’s the blessing and the burden of HBCU excellence.
The Flip Aspect: Turbo Brown Stays HBCU
However the switch portal isn’t the entire story. Look no additional than Josh “Turbo” Brown, a lightning-fast recruit who dedicated straight out of highschool to Texas Southern College. Turbo had choices however selected the HBCU route from the soar. His determination is a reminder that the pipeline works each methods. Highschool stars are nonetheless selecting HBCUs not only for athletics, however for tradition, neighborhood, and identification.
Lofton’s story, Stubbs’ and Williams’ strikes, and Turbo’s dedication all exist on the identical spectrum of alternative, problem, and development.
Greater Phases, Similar Legacy
As Amarianna Lofton steps onto the Massive Ten stage, she does so not simply as an athlete but additionally as an envoy for Central State and HBCUs in every single place.
“I’m so grateful for this chance,” she stated. “I do know it’s going to be onerous, however I’m excited to develop, to compete, and to signify the place I got here from.”
In a world obsessive about vertical leaps, possibly probably the most vital soar is the one she’s making now from HBCU champion to Massive Ten contender. However irrespective of how excessive she climbs, her HBCU roots stay the identical.
