MADISON, Wis. — After eight months and 22 days, Japheth Cato is back. The senior, competing in his first meet since rupturing his Achilles tendon on a routine approach in the pole vault at the Brutus Hamilton Invitational last April, notched a pair of victories in the pole vault and high jump to score 10 points and help the No. 4-ranked Wisconsin men’s track and field team defeat Missouri, 86-61, in a dual meet Saturday at the Camp Randall Memorial Sports Center (The Shell). “It was a little difficult last year hurting it outside, (I) didn’t get to finish my outdoor season,” Cato said. “But it means a lot to me right now to get back on the track. I worked real hard all offseason — it was a real mental and physical struggle — but I feel good.”
Cato began the day by winning the vault with a clearance of 16 feet, 4 3/4 inches and followed up his performance with another victory in the high jump, leaping 6-11, just half an inch from tying his personal best in the event. more
