Pole Vault
Andrew Irwin of Arkansas has dominated the indoor pole vault in his first two seasons, winning the title both times, but an outdoor title has eluded him to this point thanks to Jack Whitt of Oral Roberts, who is back to defend his title. Sam Kendricks of Ole Miss is the man to beat, however, after posting the only 19-foot vault by a collegian in 2013 with a clearance of 19-¾ (5.81m). Akron freshman Shawn Barber also stands between Irwin and a championship, seeded No. 2 at 18-8¾ (5.71m).
Pole Vault
Three women have cleared heights higher than 14-7 this season, the most recent of whom was indoor champion Natalia Bartnovskaya of Kansas, who made 14-7¼ (4.45m) at the final meet before NCAA Prelims, while you have to go back to March for when Bethany Buell of South Dakota made 14-7½ (4.46m) and Alexis Paine of Alabama cleared 14-7¼ (4.45m). Buell is among three of the top four who will be returning from last year; Georgia’s Morgann Leleux finished runner-up, Buell was third and Washington’s Logan Miller was fourth. Also returning as point scorers from a year ago are seventh-placer Emily Grove of South Dakota and eighth-place finisher Paine.
