The University of Akron Athletics

Photo by: Jeff Harwell
Ludwig Participates in USATF Pre-Rookie Camp Event
July 27 | Track & Field
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AKRON, Ohio – The University of Akron track and field senior pole vaulter Matt Ludwig (Chardon, Ohio), a five-time All-America honoree and 2017 NCAA Outdoor champion, was selected for participation in the USA Track and Field (USATF) Pre-Rookie Camp held at the U.S. Olympic Training Center in Chula Vista, Calif., on Thursday.
The USATF holds the camp to help improve and expand its role education top collegiate track and field athletes on the various aspects involved with transitioning to the professional ranks once their collegiate eligibility is complete. The program's goal is to help athletes fully understand the decisions they will need to make as professionals.
"It was an informative day of meetings that reassured me where I was in my endeavors towards becoming a professional track and field athlete," said Ludwig. "I gained invaluable information from some individuals that will become a greater part of my career in the future, as well as learned from multiple world-class athletes who live the professional lifestyle every day. From information about agents, contracts, health insurance, financial planning, and training in the post-collegiate world, this day of meetings introduced me to a wealth of important knowledge for my future. I'm extremely grateful to USATF for the invitation, and for all the support that they provide elite level athletes after college."
"The competitiveness of this sport around the world makes it difficult to be considered for significant professional opportunities," Akron head track and field coach Dennis Mitchell commented. "It is a great honor for our program that we have been able the last few years to have athletes in that class. It is a terrific accomplishment and honor for Matt as well to be thought of and prepared for this opportunity by USATF Of course, the most important focus this year is for Matt to have a great senior year at the University of Akron."
This past spring, Ludwig captured first-team All-America honors for a fourth time after placing second in the pole vault with a mark of 18-2.50 (5.55m) at the NCAA Outdoor Track and Field Championships (June 6). He earned an NCAA Championship berth after registering a qualifying mark of 17-6.50 (5.35m) at the NCAA East Preliminary Round (May 24), while earning his fourth Mid-American Conference title winning the pole vault at the MAC Championships (May 10) with a clearance of 18-0.50 (5.50m). He jumped a career- and season-best mark of 18-8.75 (5.71m) to win the pole vault at the Beach Invitational (April 21).

AKRON, Ohio – The University of Akron track and field senior pole vaulter Matt Ludwig (Chardon, Ohio), a five-time All-America honoree and 2017 NCAA Outdoor champion, was selected for participation in the USA Track and Field (USATF) Pre-Rookie Camp held at the U.S. Olympic Training Center in Chula Vista, Calif., on Thursday.
The USATF holds the camp to help improve and expand its role education top collegiate track and field athletes on the various aspects involved with transitioning to the professional ranks once their collegiate eligibility is complete. The program's goal is to help athletes fully understand the decisions they will need to make as professionals.
"It was an informative day of meetings that reassured me where I was in my endeavors towards becoming a professional track and field athlete," said Ludwig. "I gained invaluable information from some individuals that will become a greater part of my career in the future, as well as learned from multiple world-class athletes who live the professional lifestyle every day. From information about agents, contracts, health insurance, financial planning, and training in the post-collegiate world, this day of meetings introduced me to a wealth of important knowledge for my future. I'm extremely grateful to USATF for the invitation, and for all the support that they provide elite level athletes after college."
"The competitiveness of this sport around the world makes it difficult to be considered for significant professional opportunities," Akron head track and field coach Dennis Mitchell commented. "It is a great honor for our program that we have been able the last few years to have athletes in that class. It is a terrific accomplishment and honor for Matt as well to be thought of and prepared for this opportunity by USATF Of course, the most important focus this year is for Matt to have a great senior year at the University of Akron."
This past spring, Ludwig captured first-team All-America honors for a fourth time after placing second in the pole vault with a mark of 18-2.50 (5.55m) at the NCAA Outdoor Track and Field Championships (June 6). He earned an NCAA Championship berth after registering a qualifying mark of 17-6.50 (5.35m) at the NCAA East Preliminary Round (May 24), while earning his fourth Mid-American Conference title winning the pole vault at the MAC Championships (May 10) with a clearance of 18-0.50 (5.50m). He jumped a career- and season-best mark of 18-8.75 (5.71m) to win the pole vault at the Beach Invitational (April 21).
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