Eshbach Earns Big 12 Honor

Lincoln, Neb. ? Senior Eric Eshbach was recognized as the Big 12 co-male athlete of the week for the week of March 29-April 4, the conference office announced Monday afternoon.

The defending NCAA pole vault champion set a new Nebraska school record and won his first outdoor meet of the season last Saturday, clearing 18-4 ? at the Texas Relays.

Eshbach did not enter the competition until the bar was raised to 17-8 3/4, which he cleared on his second attempt. He easily cleared 18-0 ? on his first try, before setting the new school-record mark at 18-4 ?.

"I feel good about it," Eshbach said. "The best part is that after looking at film, there is still room for a lot of improvement. It’s kind of exciting to know that was my best jump ever, but there is also room for a lot more."

The Orangefield, Texas, native is currently ranked first in the nation and is tied at fifth in the world. Eshbach did not compete indoors because he had completed his indoor eligibility.

"Not competing indoors really helped me," Eshbach said. "I didn’t really start training until January and it gave me longer to clear my head. Things are coming a lot easier this year than they ever have in the past."

Texas’ Brendan Christian was also named co-athlete of the week for his winning time of 10.13 in the 100-meter dash at the Texas relays to lead the conference, nation and world. He also led the Texas 4x100-meter relay team to a fourth-place finish.

The Huskers travel to Wichita, Kan., on Saturday to compete in the K.T. Woodman Classic.