ALLY STEPHENSON

Tracy Stephenson (Ally’s mother):My daughter is Ally Stephenson.  She is a 3 time Oklahoma high jump state champion, and a long jump state champion and runner up.  Ally recently signed with Oklahoma University to continue her track and field career.  Kangaroo Track Club and Hugo Munoz have been an absolute blessing to our daughter’s high jump and long jump career.  Ally has won state in the high jump her freshman, junior and senior years.  There was not a state meet her sophomore year (COVID).  Each season started (and ended) almost the exact same.  Start out slow, minor injuries, frustration, go see Hugo a week or 3 before regionals, improve each meet leading up to state, and make her best jump of the year at the state meet.  We would go to see Hugo weekly if we were closer, but being 8 hours away we are limited to a time or two per year and some video analysis.  How does he do it?  He is a GREAT teacher.  His knowledge is unparalleled and he studies each jumper and helps them find the best form and potential to suit their abilities.  It is NOT a cookie cutter approach.  Not only does he teach them how, but, in his theory class, he also teaches them to understand the fundamentals so they can see, feel and correct their own mistakes when he’s not around.  Though she wanted to sleep in, Ally attended the theory class every time she went to see Hugo and every time she walked away with new and deeper knowledge and happy she attended.  In fact, Ally has used that knowledge to start teaching a number of young jumpers here in our hometown.  And, as a 3 time state champion, signing with Oklahoma University to high jump, I have a feeling she may have a decent side gig for years to come.  Thanks to Hugo.  In addition to teaching high jump technique and knowledge, and more importantly, Hugo taught Ally to take care of and listen to her body.  Communicate the strains and injuries (don’t hide them).  Treat them properly and let them heal.  Hugo ALWAYS puts the athlete’s safety and well being first.  This year we went to see Hugo a little earlier in the season.  Then had some injuries and couldn’t jump for a while, so we did the video analysis with Hugo the week before state to sharpen up.  After analyzing the video he called and say “Is she healthy?”.  “No” I replied “she has tweaked her lower back”.  He said “1 week before the meet is too close to make many changes, it will be counterproductive. I am going to give you a few easy changes to make and then I want you to rest and not practice this whole week.  These changes are easy and you can do them at the meet.  But, rest and getting healthy is going to help you more than anything I can do.” Welp…….He was right.  Jumped her highest jump of the season at the state meet and won gold. Long jump was same story, different verse though we have only done the video analysis for the long jump.  Regardless, he added distance to her jumps both times we did the analysis and every inch gained was needed to win state.  I hardly know Hugo, yet he is very high on my list of people I respect.  He was a great jumper himself and now he is a great coach and teacher. With his help, we have been blessed with a lot of great memories as Ally was the reigning state champ for 4 years in a row.  Now we are excited to follow her compete as a Sooner.  If your child is interested in high jumping or honing their skills, do them and yourself a favor and go see Hugo sooner rather than later.  Thank you so much for everything Hugo.  I hope we stay in touch, and we plan to be back as Ally prepares for her high jump career at OU.  Boomer Sooner!!

NOTE: To see a video of Ally training at KTC please click HERE