The University of Akron Athletics
UA Pole Vaulters Sweep MAC Weekly Awards
January 27 | Track & Field
AKRON - University of Akron pole vaulters Carrie Kayes and Mike Uhle were named the Mid-American Conference Field Performers of the Week for their near record-setting efforts this past Friday at Kent State's Field House, the league announced today.
Kayes (Green, Ohio/Green HS) won the women's pole vault at the Akron-Kent State Dual meet by a foot, clearing an NCAA provisional qualifying height of 13-7.25 (4.15). The All-American then pumped the bar to 14-0.50, which would have been a UA and MAC record (held by UA All-American Kira Sims), but came up just short. The previous week, Kayes cleared a personal-record height of 13-11.25, which automatically qualifies her for the 2010 NCAA Indoor Championships and ties for fifth-best effort in the NCAA this season. Kayes, who placed sixth at the 2009 NCAA Outdoor Championships, is the reigning MAC Indoor and Outdoor pole vault champion.
Uhle (Powell, Ohio/Olentangy Liberty HS) cleared 17-7.25 (5.37), both an NCAA provisional qualifying mark and tying for fifth-best effort in the NCAA this season. Also, in addition to defeating teammates Dan Garrett Bjorn Johansson by over a foot, Uhle posted the second-best vault in UA and MAC history. He passed Kevin Poest (17-7) on the list and now only trails five-time All-American John Russell (18-2.50). Uhle, a junior, has won the MAC Indoor and Outdoor pole vault titles in each of his first two years.
Akron's track and field teams will return to action this weekend, participating in the annual Penn State National meet.
