One of NJ’s best track and field athletes is heading to Rutgers with big career plans
TOMS RIVER, N.J. (BVM) — Nothing is slowing down for Donovan Catholic senior James Bivins who is one of the best track and field athletes in New Jersey; he is currently ranked No. 2 in the 55-meter dash and No. 3 in the long jump.
Bivins has big goals to complete at state before the signee joins the men’s track and field team with the Rutgers Scarlet Knights on a full-scholarship next year. While at Rutgers, he has several more plans to work towards, which include possibly walking on to the Scarlet Knights football team, going professional in track and one day qualifying for the Olympics.
“The reason I chose Rutgers is because of the relationship I built with Coach Farrell,” Bivins said. “He made me feel like he was welcoming me to his track and field family with the time and effort he put into me. I know that Coach Farrell will bring my game to the next level and I trust his process and what he has to say.”
After his junior year indoor season, Bivins caught the attention of coaches with a time of 6.39 in the 55-meter dash and a distance of 23 feet and 1.5 inches in the long jump. Since the pandemic forced the cancellation of the outdoor season that would have followed, Bivins started training individually so that he could break his personal records in multiple events.
“I have been working out and trying to learn the right running and jumping mechanics so I can break the state record,” Bivins said. “I can see myself jumping high 24 feet for long jump, maybe 25 feet and getting close to the state record for the 55-meter, 100-meter, and 200-meter dash.”
Track coaches from Penn State, Michigan University, Monmouth, University of Colorado Boulder and the University of Missouri had Bivins on their radar. But at Rutgers, he may catch the attention of football coaches as well since Bivins has dreams of also playing collegiate football.
“Football will always be my first love because that’s the sport I grew up playing,” Bivins said. “Coach Farrell and I are on the same page that track is what I came to Rutgers to do. If Coach Farrell let’s me try to walk-on for football later down the line that would be great but right now I’m focused on Rutgers track.”
Appreciate the edit!! @LouieMadama @RUAthletics pic.twitter.com/iikQS3l7oJ
— James Bivins (@Jbiv_) December 2, 2020
With his uncertain future in football, Bivins is still certain about working hard on his grades and with the track team because it will put his family in a better position. He said he wants to become a pro runner and compete in the Olympics as a long jumper and possibly be in a sprint relay.
“Growing up seeing my parents work so hard for my siblings and me, it really inspired me to work and study harder and train harder,” Bivins said. “If all goes well, and with a lot of training, I can see myself competing in the 2024 or 2028 Olympic Games.”
But for now Bivins is focusing on the present and this season he has competed at the Hispanic Games so far. Although he did not get a PR, he knows that there is some catching up to do following his shortened 2020 season and there are adjustments to be made while competing with a mask on.
Senior campaign is go‼️@donovan_track @njmilesplit pic.twitter.com/oPHHdkh706
— James Bivins (@Jbiv_) January 9, 2021
“I did well for training less than a month before the meet,” Bivins said. “I definitely feel like I could’ve done better but that is what pushes me for my next meet.”
Bivins said he is excited about attending Rutgers since he knows the team will continue to push him to be one of the best and he is also looking forward to attending their business school.
