2015 NCAA Men's Pole Vault Preview
2015 NCAA Men's Pole Vault Preview
Shawn Barber, Akron (PB 5.87m)
Last Year: 1st Indoors, 2nd Outdoors
Although Sam Kendricks most recently beat Barber at the NCAA Outdoor Championships, Barber’s personal best performance at last year’s indoor championships catapults him as the favorite to win in 2015. Last year’s NCAA Indoor Championships were unforgettable as Kendricks and Barber battled in a heads-up dual for the title. Barber beat out the 2013 NCAA Outdoor Champion with a clearance of 5.75m and a new Canadian record.
Editors Note: Just yesterday, Barber cleared 5.87m to set the Canadian and NCAA record.
Jake Blankenship, Tennessee (PB 5.64m)
Last Year: N/A Indoors, 3rd Outdoors
Although he didn’t compete at last year’s indoor championships, Blankenship secured a third-place finish at the 2014 NCAA Outdoor Championships. The junior returns from a season that included a runner-up finish at the SEC Outdoor Championships and his second All American honor.
Andrew Irwin, Arkansas (PB 5.72m)
Last Year: 4th Indoors, NH Outdoors
He may have had a disappointing outdoor championship performance, but Irwin is back for his senior season for some redemption. He won the 2013 and 2012 NCAA Indoor titles, but wasn’t able to get in the dual with Kendricks and Barber in 2014. He put himself in the mix with a fourth-place finish at the 2014 NCAA Indoor Championships and should contend once again in his senior season.
Jax Thoirs, Washington (PB 5.61m)
Last Year: 8th Indoors, 13th Outdoors
The Scottish vaulter racked up a Pac-12 title and his first All American honor at the NCAA Indoor Championships in 2014. He is currently the Scottish national record-holder and continues to improve the mark with every personal best.
Chase Wolfle, Texas A&M (PB 5.56m)
Last Year: 11th Indoors, 5th Outdoors
Wolfle put himself in contention at both NCAA Indoor and Outdoor Championships last year with 11th and fifth-place finishes, respectively. The Amarillo, Texas native looks to place even higher at this year’s championships.
Pauls Pujats, Memphis (PB 5.54m)
Last Year: 3rd Indoors, 10th Outdoors
Pujats is poised to contend in 2015 after coming off of a third-place finish at the 2014 NCAA Indoor Championships and a 10th-place finish in the outdoor final. It was the first year Pujats was able to qualify for the NCAA Championship final and if he continues the upward trend, he could be dangerous come March.