Culver Brothers Finding Success on the Biggest Stage

By Jack Ciampi, Texas Tech Athletics Communications

Two Texas Tech athletes are turning heads in the college sports world with their recent successes. Brothers and Lubbock natives, Trey and Jarrett Culver, have propelled into the limelight of their respective sports. Trey, an award-winning high jumper for the Texas Tech track and field program, and Jarrett, a guard for the Texas Tech men's basketball team, have become leaders on both teams and are now at the forefront of Texas Tech Athletics.

Now a senior, Trey Culver continues to rise to the occasion, soaring to the top of the collegiate high jump world. With his performances in 2016 and 2017, Culver earned a spot in Texas Tech lore by winning the Indoor National Championship title and Outdoor Big 12 Championship both years. Most recently, Trey jumped an impressive 7 feet, 7 ¾ inches, breaking the Texas Tech indoor record and placing him fourth all-time on the NCAA high jump record list. Now, looking for his third national title -- a feat never accomplished -- he goes into his final season with hopes of raising the bar further.

Across campus at United Supermarkets Arena, Jarrett is creating a legacy of his own. As a freshman, he has stepped in to make an immediate impact as he currently leads the basketball team in three-point field goals made (37), while ranking second in steals (34) and points per game (11.0). Last month, Culver stood out with a season-high 25-point game against Big 12 rival Oklahoma State. As the resurging basketball team looks to make a case for the postseason, Culver provides an exciting young spark to a veteran starting lineup.

Together, though, the two have found motivation in each other. Offering advice and support, the brothers confide in one another on how to approach big competitions. Before his record breaking jump during the Corky Classic, Trey explained it was Jarrett who assured him it was possible.

"He told me he could do it and I never doubted it," Jarrett explains.

Growing up together and watching the other brother compete, the two have come to appreciate the accomplishments of one another.

"I have so much joy cheering him on and seeing him perform on the big stage," said Trey about Jarrett. "I just love seeing him succeed in front of our family and the entire Lubbock community."

Jarrett reiterated this support for Trey saying "It amazes me every time I see him jump. He is shocking the world every time he competes."

While each is the other's biggest fan, it isn't without good reason that brotherly competition exists. Whether virtually playing NBA 2K Basketball or one-on-one in the driveway, the brothers compete fiercely for bragging rights whenever possible. They also have another brother, J.J. Culver, who is a sophomore on the nearby Wayland Baptist basketball team.

Although typically humble individuals, the duo struggle to accept defeat at the hands of the other.

"We end up playing so many games because one can't accept the other winning," Trey says with good humor. "It doesn't matter if it is video games, basketball, or bowling, we are competing to win."

This same desire for winning is also on display on the court and the track, specifically in big games and meets.

Nonetheless, while the two Texas Tech standouts have a close relationship, the brothers credit much of their success to their family in Lubbock. The entire Culver family is on hand at every competition to watch each brother compete. At the head of the family is their father and local pastor, Reverend Hiwatha Culver, who delivers the pre-game prayer before each home basketball game.

The brothers go onto say that, "Every Sunday after listening to our dad at church, we all come together to have a big meal, talk about the week, and discuss what is coming." Motivating and encouraging, family has played a key role in providing focus and grounding for the brothers.

Looking ahead to the future, both brothers aspire to remain in the sports world after earning their Texas Tech diplomas. Whether it be competing or coaching, each hopes to transfer their winning mindset to help develop the next group of upcoming, youth athletes.

"I want to inspire the youth and show them that it is possible to reach your dreams," Jarrett said. "We have been gifted with so many skills and opportunities that I want to share it with others."

Now in his final year, Trey is looking to become one of the greatest collegiate high jumpers of all-time with a third Indoor National Championship and Outdoor Big 12 Championship title. Jarrett also looks to earn his place in history by helping lead the Red Raider basketball team to its second postseason appearance in three years.

Together, the Culver brothers hope to leave a lasting legacy of success at Texas Tech and inspire others after them to dream just as big.

Culver Brothers Finding Success on the Biggest Stage

Players Mentioned

Jarrett Culver

Trey Culver

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