Q&A | Iowa men’s track and field sprinter Jordan Gross talks favorite spot on campus, coaching staff, and favorite movie

The first-year’s personal best of 6.71 in the 60 meters at the Hawkeye Invitational on Jan. 10 tied him for sixth-fastest in program history.

Jack Birmingham, Sports Reporter

February 10, 2026

Reece Schrader

Iowa Men’s 60m Runner, Jordan Gross, smiles in celebration during the track and field Jimmy Grant Invitational at the Hawkeye Indoor Track Facility in Iowa City, Iowa on Saturday, Dec. 13, 2025. Gross placed third in the Men’s 60m Prelims with a 6.77. The Hawkeyes hosted the universities of Central Iowa, Grinnell, Judson, Northern Iowa, South Central Iowa, Western Illinois, and William Penn.

The Daily Iowan: What is your favorite place to visit on campus?

Jordan Gross: Probably Bread Garden Market, I feel like I go there pretty often.

What is one thing that stood out to you about Iowa?

I didn’t know much before coming on a track visit. I feel like Coach Woody, the way he carries himself, and the way he’s built this program over the last couple of years stood out to me.

What’s your favorite movie?

Off the top of my head, I’ll probably go “Happy Gilmore 2.”

Who’s a role model or an inspiration in your life?

I’ll go with my dad.

If you could have lunch with any person, living or dead, who would it be?

I’d probably say my great-grandma. She passed a couple of years ago, and just having another conversation with her, I feel like that’d be pretty nice.

What is your favorite sport besides track and field?

To watch, definitely football, but playing soccer is my favorite.

What’s your favorite event in track?

My favorite to run is the 100, but to watch is the 4×400.

What’s your favorite pro sports team?

The Cincinnati Bengals.

If you could have one superpower, what would it be?

I’ll go super speed.