2016 Inductee
When an individual has climbed the proverbial ladder of success, to heights most of us can only dream about, and they can recall every step along the way and who has been there to help and guide them, it speaks highly of their character and of the passion they have for what they do.
Travis Geopfert grew up in Panora, Iowa population 1,100. He was a 2 sport star. A first team All State linebacker in football, and a seven time state champion in track and field. Lucky for us track geeks, his love for our sport won out.
Thank goodness his Grandparents took him to his first Drake Relays in 1985. Thank goodness Mrs. Fitzgerald let him long jump at the elementary track meet, because he eclipsed the mark held by Panora Olympian and fellow hall of famer, Kip Janvrin by 5”. Thank goodness Mr. Locke and Mr. Lane made junior high track so fun that he just couldn’t get enough of it. Thank goodness his parents Gary and Theresa drove him and his brother Tyler to track meets all around the country. It was this love and support as a youngster that got Travis primed to compete for Papa J, Hall of Fame coach Ken Janvrin at Panorama High School and whom Travis calls one of the greatest coaches of all time.
Travis Geopfert is quick to point out that none of his great experiences would have come without great teammates and great coaches at all levels, the Panorama school system and supportive community.
What Travis Geopfert has accomplished in track and field before the age of 40 is beyond impressive
- • 15 X state meet qualifier and 15X state meet finalist
- • Anchored 3 state champion relay teams in 1997, including the 4×400 with meet on the line, to lead Papa J to his first state team title.
- • 7x state champion
- • 12X Drake Relays qualifier
- • All American at UNI
- • 3X MVC Champion
- • 4X Member of USA National team in the decathlon
- • 2X Drake Relays decathlon champion
- • 2X MVC Head Coach of the Year
- • He is a 2 time D1 Regional and 1 time D1 National Assistant Coach of the Year
- • He has been the USA’s head coach the US vs Germany Thorpe Cup Decathlon Competition
He coached at Central Missouri and UNI before landing in Arkansas with fellow UNI staff members and mentors, Chris Bucknam and Doug Case.
At Arkansas, Travis is the recruiting coordinator and field events and multi events coach for the Razorback men.
In 13 seasons of coaching at the collegiate level, Travis has coached 10 NCAA champions, 67 1st team All Americans, 121 NCAA national qualifiers, 69 conference champions, 132 all conference performances, 4 Olympians and 3 World Championship qualifiers.
In 2016 alone, Travis coached US Olympian and 5X NCAA champion Jarrion Lawson. Lawson became the first athlete since Jesse Owens to win 3 NCAA titles in the same meet. Lawson has the 8th best long jump mark in US history and the best mark in the world in the last 10 years.
He coached SEC and NCAA champion Clive Pullen to be the first Jamaican Olympic Triple Jumper in 44 years.
And he helped coach Drake Relays champion Omar McLeod to a gold medal in Rio in the 110 meter high hurdles.
As impressive as his track and field resume’ is, Travis will tell you that his family, is by far, his greatest accomplishment. He and his wife Nicole have been married nearly 14 years and have 3 beautiful kids, Jones, Jax and Ellyn. All 3 were adopted on the very day they were born.
Travis thrives on pressure. He knows he is not perfect in anyway, but continues to work daily to become a better father, husband and coach.
He knows to be the best he must: “Focus on the process, play to win, and gravitate toward excellence, not mediocrity.”