Sultanova, Wissel shine at Indoors

By J-W Staff Reports     Mar 11, 2007

? Kansas University junior Kate Sultanova placed third in the women’s pole vault Saturday at the 2007 NCAA Indoor National Championships at the Randal Tyson Track and Field Center.

Sultanova cleared a personal-best 14 feet, 11â4 inches on her second attempt, which ties a Kansas record held by former national champion Amy Linnen. However, two other women cleared the bar on their first attempt and therefore placed higher than Sultanova after none of the three were able to clear 14-51â4.

Elouise Rudy of Montana State finished first.

The performance marks the second All-American effort for the 2007 Big 12 champion, who also placed seventh at the 2005 NCAA Outdoor national championships.

“For having accomplished a personal best and tying a school record, I think she competed awesome today,” KU coach Tom Hays said.

In the men’s 3,000 meters, KU junior Colby Wissel took seventh in a time of 7 minutes, 58.42 seconds.

Wissel is now a two-time All-American, having also earned the distinction during the 2006 cross country season. The Big 12 champion and school record-holder in the event, Wissel overcame several competitors late to secure a top-eight finish.

Northern Arizona’s Lopez Lomong won the event in 7:49.74.

“Although I am not thrilled with my finish, championship racing is not easy and I am happy that I did not get upset when things didn’t go my way,” Wissel said. “Today’s events will definitely serve as motivation for the outdoor season. You only get a day or so to lick your wounds and then you have to get back out there.”

As a team, the Kansas men finished in a tie for 16th with 12 points, while the women finished with six points, good for a tie for 34th place.

Wisconsin won the men’s team title with 40 points, and Arizona State won the women’s team title with 38 points.

The meet concludes the indoor season. The teams will start the outdoor season March 25 at the Hurricane Invitational in Tulsa, Okla.

¢Headed for hall: For his achievement Friday, junior Egor Agafonov, the 2007 national champion in the men’s weight throw, will be enshrined into the Kansas Hall of Fame.

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