PULLMAN — Jax Thoirs and Walla Walla High School graduate Aaron Nelson both won at the Mooberry Track Complex just two weeks ago, helping the Husky men’s track team to a win in the Dual Meet against Washington State. Returning to Pullman, Thoirs and Nelson were victorious once again, only this time it came against the entire Pac-12 conference. Thoirs flew to a thrilling win in the pole vault, and then Nelson charged to a convincing win in the 3,000-meter steeplechase, giving the Dawgs a great start to the two-day conference meet, hosted by Washington State for the first time since 2002. The Huskies could be said to dominate the Pac-12 men’s steeplechase and pole vault when the Cougars are the hosts. Back in 2002, the last time the meet was here, Washington’s Mike Hill won the steeplechase and Brad Walker won the pole vault. Nelson’s win was the first in the steeple since Hill’s win, however Thoirs adds to a run of four titles in the past six years for Husky men’s vaulters. Thoirs came into the vault ranked second in the conference and fourth in the NCAA, behind defending champion Michael Woepse of UCLA. Coming off a PR last week at the Ken Shannon Invite of 18-4 ½, Thoirs was feeling confident, but it nearly turned disastrous as he missed his first two attempts of the day at 16-8 ¾. He crept over on his third try, and from there began to relax and soar over the bar. He made 17-4 ½ on his second attempt, and then took the lead with an easy first attempt make at 17-8 ½. With three vaulters remaining, Thoirs maintained his hold over the lead with a first try make at 17-8 ½. Woepse and Derick Hinch of Arizona State both cleared but needed three tries. Thoirs then came out and flew well over 18-0 ½ with lots of room to spare. Woepse and Hinch were unable to match and Thoirs clinched the win. He then had the bar raised to 18-6 ½, but admitted afterwards that clinching the win took some of the energy out of him, as he was unable to get another PR. “It was a strange competition. I got off to a nervous start, but then things started rolling and I just got better with each jump,” said Thoirs. “I had a good warm up so I knew it was going to come. I was obviously very happy to win in the end. (Winning this title) was one of my big goals when I came to Washington so to get that so early in my time here is just amazing.” This is the fourth win in the pole vault in the past six years for the Huskies, all going to different vaulters, all coached by Pat Licari. Adding the two titles for Brad Walker in 2002 and 2003 gives UW six wins in the event in 13 years. One of those champions, 2012 winner J.J. Juilfs, had his best day of the season today as well, as he looks to be fully healthy and jumping well again. Juilfs had consecutive season-bests, clearing 17-0 ¾ on his first try, and then making 17-4 ½ on his third attempt to wind up fifth today, and secure a trip to NCAA West Prelims. Chris Williams also cleared a season-best 16-2 ¾ to finish in a four-way tie for eighth, getting a quarter of a point. more
