VERMILLION — South Dakota pole vaulter Emily Grove was one of 10 women named to The Bowerman Watch List by the U.S. Track and Field/Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA) on Thursday. The Bowerman is considered to be the “Heisman of Track and Field” and is given to one male and female track and field athlete in December.
It is the first time Grove has made the watch list. She currently holds the top women’s Division I pole vault mark this season at 14 feet, 9 1/2 inches and is a two-time All-American. She placed sixth at the USATF Indoor Championships on Feb. 23 and won her first career Summit League indoor pole vault title this past weekend.
The Bowerman debuted in 2009 and in presented annually by the USTFCCCA to the most outstanding male and female athlete in the nation. Past winners include Olympic gold medalist and decathlon world-record holder Ashton Eaton (2010), 10,000-meter Olympic silver medalist Galen Rupp (2009) and 2011 IAAF World Champion in the 1,500 meters, Jenny Simpson (2009).
Grove will be action on March 14 as she competes at the NCAA Indoor Championships in Albuquerque, N.M.
