Jett hopes he’ll race Roger Kingdom at Modesto Relays

Rod Jett doesn’t claim God on his side, but local Jesuits are cheering for him. He’s a teacher and sprint/hurdles coach at Jesuit High School in Carmichael, California, which has a powerful track program (One star alum is Michael Stember). Rod is hot after M40 hurdle records, even if David Ashford asserts to be the real recordman in the 60-meter highs. (See David’s comments here.) I wrote Rod, a Sacramento resident, a few days ago, and he graciously responded, confirming plans to run a masters 110 hurdles exhibition at the Modesto Relays that might include two-time Olympic champion Roger Kingdom.

Here’s my Q&A with Rod:

Masterstrack.com: Are you planning to run at Modesto, in the masters hurdle race being set up?
Rod: As I told Joy (Margerum): I will be there unless my legs fall off!
Did you ever race Roger Kingdom? How would you like to race him again?
I competed at the national level from 1989-1996 so I was fortunate enough (or unfortunate) to run against many of the all-time greats, including Roger. It would be great to run against him again.
What are your competition plans this year — Boston, Spokane?
I haven’t decided on Boston yet (it’s a long trip for a short race) but I definitely will be going to Spokane.
Tell me about your 8.19 — happy with start, form, finish? Hit any hurdles?
The race wasn’t my best. I actually ran 8.17 FAT at an outdoor meet the week before. They have skinny lanes in Seattle so me and the youngster next to me were bumping elbows over every hurdle so we slowed each other down. In a clean race, I think I could go under 8.00.
Did you blow the minds of any of the kids in your heat, telling them you’re an ancient 41?
It’s funny — the kid I was bumping actually came up to me and apologized after the race and we talked for about 15 minutes. His marks are very close to mine in high school so he said he was inspired.