University of Memphis Athletics
University of Memphis
NCAA Indoor Championships
Pujats Attains Second-Team All-American Status
Mar 11, 2011 | Men's Track and Field
March 11, 2011
COLLEGE STATION, Texas - Junior pole vaulter Karlis Pujats of the Memphis men's track and field team earned second team All-American honors at the NCAA Indoor Track and Field Championships, finishing in a tie for ninth in his first national championship competition.
Pujats had the second-highest jump of his career, a 5.25m (17' 2.75") vault that deadlocked him with BYU's Chris Little for ninth. He finished less than four inches away from a first-team All-American nod, which he would've attained with an eighth-place finish or better.
"I'm very pleased with his performance today," said head coach Kevin Robinson. "For somebody who qualified sixteenth to place ninth, he definitely exceeded expectations."
Pujats hit the first two marks (5.15m, 5.25m) with ease on the first jump but ran into a road block at the 5.35m mark, hitting the bar all three times.
"He was satisfied with his mark, but it motivates him more for the upcoming outdoor season," said Robinson. "Once the weather starts to cooperate, he'll be able to jump more; he was the only competitor in the field today who didn't have an indoor facility to train in, which speaks to his commitment and dedication to his craft."
Tomorrow, Tiger senior Knut Syversen will compete in the weight throw at the NCAA Championships, scheduled to begin at 5 p.m.
Players Mentioned
