FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Clark Teuscher, Sports Information Director, 630-637-5302

Results

BEREA, Ohio (May 27, 2010) - North Central College pole vaulter Rachel Secrest closed out a stellar collegiate career with a strong performance Thursday, placing second at the 2010 NCAA Division III Outdoor Track & Field Championships at Baldwin-Wallace College.

Secrest, seeded third in a field of 20 competitors heading into the event, was the most efficient vaulter in the field going through the competition, passing on the opening height before clearing 11'10 3/4", 12'2 3/4", 12'6 3/4" and 12'10 3/4" on the first attempt each time.

Secrest, who set the Division III championships record last season with a clearance of 13'2 1/4", was joined this season by Hayley Suckow of the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire and 2010 indoor national champion Anna Heim of Moravian College (Pa.) in making attempts at 13'2 1/2". Once again, Secrest sailed over the bar on her first attempt, and stood alone with Heim, who also cleared on the first try.

Heim, who established a new all-time Division III outdoor best with a clearance of 13'8 1/4" earlier this season, cleared 13'6 1/2" on her second attempt to secure the national championship.

"I felt very focused today," Secrest said. "I really paid attention to the process of pole vaulting. I went higher than I did at this meet last year, and it was my best vault day of the outdoor season, so I feel really good about finishing my career with this meet."

I'm just thankful that she came out with a workman's attitude to jump, and finish jumps, and compete," said North Central pole vault coach Tim Winder. "It's just a really good way to finish it. Had she not jumped that high, it would still be a good day if she brought that kind of attitude. She performed technically as well as I've seen her all year long."

Secrest earned her sixth All-America certificate (three indoor, three outdoor), with her performance, and qualified for every national championship in all four years of her career.

Two more Cardinals are set to compete in this weekend's championships. Brandye Jackson will compete in the trials of the 100-meter hurdles on Friday, and Michelle Criscione will take part in the high jump on Saturday.