Ashton Barkdull Claims National Runner Up on Day 1 of NCAA Nationals

EUGENE, ORE. - The Kansas Track & Field team completed Day 1 of the NCAA National Championships with Ashton Barkdull taking second place in the Men's Pole Vault.

"Really exciting day for the guys. The multi guys had a great day 1 and are in a good position going into tomorrow. The shot putters had a hard day and were almost in scoring position, but got well-needed experience at the national level. The pole vaulters were amazing to get 2nd, and tied 5th was great. The tradition of KU being an elite vault group continues. Coach Hays is simply the best. Ashton and Bryce came to perform well and did," said Head Coach Stanley Redwine.

In the Men's Pole Vault, Ashton Barkdull jumped a PR of 5.73m to become the National Runner-Up; his little brother, Bryce Barkdull, also jumped a PR to tie for 5th with a mark of 5.53m. It is back-to-back seasons where a Jayhawk has taken runners-up in the event, with Clayton Simms doing so last year. Since 2017, at least one Jayhawk has made the podium at NCAA Nationals in the Men's Pole Vault

In the Men's Decathlon, through day 1, Tayton Klein sits in 8th place with 4051 pts, and Alexander Jung is in 15th with 3916 pts. Tayton Klein won the Men's Decathlon Long Jump with a mark of 7.46m; he also finished 4th in the 400m with a season best time of 48.51. Alex Jung also took 4th in the Shot Put with a PR throw of 14.80m.

Two Jayhawks competed in the Men's Shot Put, Bryce Foster & Jacob Cookinham. Foster, who plays football for the Jayhawks, finished 11th. Redshirt Freshman Jacob Cookinham also wrapped up the season with a 16th-place finish in the event.

HOW TO FOLLOW:
Updates throughout the meet will be available on the Kansas Track and Field Instagram and X accounts. Fans who wish to watch the event will be able to stream the broadcast on ESPN/ESPN+.

University of Kansas Athletics

Ashton Barkdull Claims National Runner Up on Day 1 of NCAA Nationals

Players Mentioned

Ashton Barkdull

Bryce Barkdull

Jacob Cookinham

Bryce Foster

Alexander Jung

Tayton Klein

Clayton Simms

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