RIVERSIDE Just run and jump.

The secret to being a good long jumper is probably more complex, but running fast and jumping is a good way to start.

For UC Riversides Tayler Fleming, that was enough to earn the Highlander junior a spot in the NCAA Track and Field Championships this week at the University of Oregon.

The former hurdler at Riverside King High made the transition to collegiate long jumper last season and knew she was onto something.

I watched (the NCAA championships) last year on TV and said I was going to be there. Im going to do that. Its within reach.

Thats a bold statement for someone just learning the event, but Flemings natural athleticism proved hard to match. She became a heptathlete last season and placed second at the Big West championships. She was a quick study, particularly in the long jump, where she set the UCR record of 20 feet,11.75 inches, last year on the way to winning the Big West title. She also set a school record in the heptathlon.

When I started I was a good jumper but technique-wise I didnt know what I was doing, Fleming said, adding her speed helped overcome her inexperience in the event.

This season was supposed to be about improvement and continuing to perfect the nuances of the long jump. Fleming also wanted to challenge for the heptathlon title at the Big West championships, but her season was slowed by injuries. A few weeks of missed practice meant she had to basically restart her training and reboot her season.

She showed a lot of resiliency coming into regionals, Coach Dan Newell said.

Fleming said she was disappointed after finishing third in the heptathlon and second in the long jump with a leap of 19-06.75 at this years Big West Championships. But the NCAA regional was a chance for redemption and a chance to make the NCAA championships.

My confidence was kind of shot, Fleming said. Going into regionals I just wanted to have fun and enjoy it. Nothing else matters at this moment.

Fleming saved her best for last at the regional meet, leaping a season-best 20-8.5 on her final attempt. She waited as other jumpers finished, but her mark held up to tie for 11th place and secured the final NCAA championship qualifying spot.

That was my goal, she said. I was so excited.

Two weeks later as she prepares for the biggest meet of her career, Fleming said shes still amazed by the progress shes made in a relatively short amount of time.

Im completely surprised how far long jump has taken me, no pun intended, she said, adding that expectations will be even higher next year as she continues to improve on her technique.

Jumping higher leads to jumping further. Thats been the emphasis of training, Newell said. Flemings speed gives her an advantage, but once she learns to consistently combine it with the perfect takeoff she will be hard to beat. The process is ongoing.

She naturally had some good jumping potential that was untapped, Newell said. Its really worked out for her.

NCAA DIVISION I TRACK & FIELD CHAMPIONSHIPS

Wednesday-Saturday

Hayward Field

University of Oregon

The long jump competition is Thursday at 6 p.m. Two flights with 12 jumpers each from the East and West regionals will compete. The top nine overall after three jumps compete in the finals.

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Still a work in progress, UC Riverside's Tayler Fleming leaps into NCAA championships - Press-Enterprise