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Sammel Ties for Eleventh at NCAAs
March 11, 2006
NORTHFIELD, Minn. – Allegheny College track and field athlete Sarah Sammel (Pittsburgh/ Bethel Park) competed today at the NCAA Division III Indoor Track and Field Championships. The sophomore pole-vaulter lifted herself to a tie for eleventh place in the field of 15 vaulters in her first trip to the national meet.
Opening height was 10’4”, which Sammel cleared easily. The next height, 10’9.75”, was not a problem either, as she cleared again on her first attempt. With two vaulters out of the mix at that point, the bar was raised to 11’3.75”. Sammel made three good attempts at the height, nearly clearing on her final effort, but was unable to leave the bar sitting atop the standards.
“Sarah looked confident and focused, and vaulted very well,” said tenth-year Allegheny head coach Bill Ross. “She should have plenty more opportunities to contend at nationals.”
Sammel’s performance marks the last of the indoor season for the Gators. The men’s and women’s teams will kick off outdoor season in two weeks, when they head to the Clarion Invitational on Saturday, March 25. Sammel will enter the outdoor season looking to defend her North Coast Athletic Conference (NCAC) title, as she set the conference and school record in the pole vault as a freshman with an outdoor best of 11’5”. The men’s and women’s teams will also be on the defense, as they will look to repeat as NCAC Champions.