The College of Wooster’s Dylan Garretson made program history on Friday afternoon, as the junior pole vaulter became the Fighting Scots’ first men’s indoor track & field All-American. Garretson placed fourth at the NCAA Div. III Championships after clearing a school record 16 feet, 2.75 inches.
“It was an awesome performance,” said Dennis Rice, Wooster’s head coach. “We are super proud of Dylan. His consistency throughout the whole season really carried over and enhanced his opportunity to perform at the national championships and earn our first men’s indoor All-America honor. We are looking for an exciting start to the outdoor track & field season.”
Garretson, who upped his school record for the sixth time this indoor season, passed on the opening height of 14 feet, 11 inches, then got over the crossbar on the first try at 15 feet, 5 inches. The music education major needed two tries once the bar was raised to 15 feet, 11 inches, then he mustered up enough to get over at 16 feet, 0.75 inches on his final try, which secured the All-America honors as just six competitors remained after that progression. Garretson had one more clearance in him, getting over 16 feet, 2.75 inches on his second try.
The University of Southern Maine’s Ben Drummey was the national champion at 16 feet, 6.75 inches.
This was Garretson’s third time competing at the Div. III Championships and his first All-America finish.
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