Sophomore Juergens continues indoor season success at first outdoor meet

After their short break, the mens’ track & field team was back at it again this past weekend. Their first meet of the outdoor season was held at Arkansas, and sophomore pole vaulter Michael Juergens continued his success from the indoor season. Juergens placed second and received a provisional as he vaulted himself to the height of 16 feet six and three-quarter inches.

“I was down at the throws, and I thought it was at 16 foot and he nailed it. So I said, ‘Wow that’s pretty good, he went 16 foot,’ when actually he nailed 16 feet six and three-quarter inches,” Rutledge said.

Assistant coach Bryan Schiding feels like the next step for Juergens is to, “climb another stick.” Currently, Juergens ranks first in the MIAA and second in the nation in the pole vault.  

“Reynolds is naturally Mr. Consistency,” Rutledge said.

Clark Tanksley placed sixth in the long jump, whereas Jacob Rowe and Jerry Jones finished fifth and sixth in the triple jump.

Thrower James Coleman finished second in the shot put and third in the discus. Coleman launched the shot put a distance of 52 feet four and one-quarter inches, while throwing the discus 159 feet one and one-half inches.

Rutledge did also send three athletes up to the University of Missouri last Friday. Rutledge said freshmen Alex Mason and Jake Benton ran under 16 minutes in the 5k, and Andrew Webb ran a 16:14 in the event.

Rutledge hopes that the athletes have taken this week to gain more strength and confidence in their ability.

Because the majority of the athletes on the men’s track team are underclassmen, becoming more confident in their ability is one of the main focuses for the team this season.

The Lions will continue their season as they travel to Emporia State tomorrow.  The Lions will also be in action in Emporia April 14-15 and will return to the area to compete at Pittsburg State on April 16.