BLOOMINGTON, IND. — Already a state champion, Harrisburg’s Lindsey Murray now has a national title to add to her growing list of accomplishments in the pole vault. Murray claimed first place in the women’s 17-18 year-old division of the event Friday at the USA Youth Outdoor Track and Field Championships in Bloomington, Indiana, beating out 10 other competitors for the crown with a top effort of 12-9.5. Murray, Kristen Denk of North Royalton, Ohio, and Mackenzie Shell of Port Huron, Michigan all succeded at 12-3.5, but Murray’s two closest competitors both failed on three attempts at the higher level, which Murray made on her third attempt. The 2014 Harrisburg graduate won this year’s state pole vault crown, setting a state record for Class 3A by clearing 13-4. Murray was named The Southern Illinoisan’s girls track athlete of the year, and has signed a letter of intent to attend SIU and compete for the track and field team there next season.
