Huskers Kick Off 2008 Track and Field Season at National Pole Vault Summit

Reno, Nev. -- The Nebraska Cornhuskers track and field team kicked off the 2008 season on Saturday, Jan. 5 at the 18th Annual National Pole Vault Summit in <?xml:namespace prefix="st1" ns="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags"?>Reno, Nev. Two Huskers each from the men’s and women’s team competed, with all four either tying or setting new personal bests. <?xml:namespace prefix="o" ns="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office"?>

 

The women were led by freshman Natalie Willer who tied for fourth in the Division 1 college vaulters with a mark of 12-7 ? (3.85 m), an indoor personal best. Also competing on the women's side was sophomore Lindsey Maher who finished in sixth place in Division 2 of the college ranks at the height of 11-11 ? (3.65 m), which tied her indoor personal best.

 

On the men’s side, the Huskers sent junior Zac Holoch and senior Pat Burke to compete. Both Holoch and Burke competed in Division 2 of the college vaulters. Holoch vaulted 15-11 (4.85 m) which landed him a fifth-place finish. Burke finished right behind Holoch in sixth place with a mark of 15-3 ? (4.65 m). Burke’s vault set a new indoor personal best, while Holoch tied his best mark.

 

Nebraska multi-events coach Kris Grimes was pleased with the performances at the summit.

 

“I was very impressed with everyone. We set some new PRs and with us just coming off of Christmas break and not having a lot of practice, we performed great,” Grimes said.

 

The rest of the Husker track and field team will begin action on Jan. 18 when the Huskers host the Holiday Inn Invitational at the BobDevaney Sports Center Indoor Track.