Jayhawks Continue All-American Performances at NCAA Championships
March 10, 2007
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. –
University of <?xml:namespace prefix=”st1″ ns=”urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags”?>Kansas junior Kate Sultanova placed third in the women’s pole vault at the 2007 NCAA Indoor National Championships at the Randal Tyson Track and Field Center in Fayetteville, Ark., Saturday night. In the men’s 3000 meters, junior Colby Wissel took seventh place in a time of 7:58.42. As a team, the Kansas placed 16th with 12 points while the women finished with six points, good for a tie for 34th place. <?xml:namespace prefix=”o” ns=”urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office”?>
Sultanova cleared a personal-best 14-01.25 feet on her second attempt, which ties a Kansas record held by former national champion Amy Linnen. However, two other women cleared the bar on their first attempt and therefore placed higher than her after none of the three were able to clear 14-05.25. Elouise Rudy of Montana State finished first.
The performance marks the second All-American effort for the 2007 Big 12 champion, as she placed seventh at the 2005 NCAA Outdoor national championships.
“For having accomplished a personal best and tying a school record, I think she competed awesome today,” Coach Tom Hays said. “Ultimately, it came down to not clearing 14-01.25 on her first attempt which prevented her from not being involved in the jump off, but I am very proud of her performance this season.”
Wissel is now a two-time All-American, having earned the distinction during the 2006 cross country season. The Big 12 champion and school record holder in the event, Wissel overcame several competitors late to secure a top-eight finish. Northern Arizona’s Lopez Lomong won the event in 7:49.74.
“Although I am not thrilled with my finish, championship racing is not easy and I am happy that I did not get upset when things didn’t go my way,” Wissel said. “Today’s events will definitely serve as motivation for the outdoor season. You only get a day or so to lick your wounds and then you have to get back out there.”
Wisconsin won the men’s team title with 40 points and Arizona State won the women’s team title with 38 points.
For his achievement on Friday, junior Egor Agafonov, the 2007 national champion in the men’s weight throw, will be enshrined into the Kansas Hall of Fame. The meet concludes the indoor season. The team will start the outdoor season March 25 at the Hurricane Invitational in Tulsa, Okla.
