Former Razorbacks take stage in pole vault

EUGENE, Ore. – The day belonged to a trio of former University of Arkansas track and field student-athletes as action continued Sunday at the 2012 Olympic Trials in Eugene, Ore. Competing in the finals of the pole vault, April (Steiner) Bennett was the top performer among the ex-Razorbacks with a fifth-place finish, followed by Janice Keppler in seventh and Katie Stripling who no-heighted.

Bennett (2001-03) was perfect through the first two heights of the competition with clearances of 4.25m/13-11.25 and 4.40m/14-5.25. She finished with that as her final mark. Keppler (2009-10) also had a successful attempt at the opening height but had three misses at 4.40m/14-5.25 to exit the competition. Stripling (2007-10) opened the day with three misses at the opening height.

The finals field consisted of 26 competitors after the qualifying round was cancelled Friday due to rainy conditions at Hayward Field. Team USA will be represented in the pole vault at the 2012 Olympic Games by winner Jenn Suhr, Becky Holliday and Lacy Janson.

During Saturday’s semifinal round of the 100 meters, LaShaunte’a Moore (2004) finished fifth in her heat and 13th overall with a time of 11.33 but did not advance to the event final. She qualified for the semifinal round with an 11.37 performance in the first round of competition at Hayward Field. Moore was the 2004 NCAA outdoor champion at 200 meters for Arkansas.

The Razorbacks’ next competition at the Olympic Trials is scheduled for Thursday with the first round of the 1,500 meters. Stephanie Brown, a provisional qualifier, and former Arkansas standout Christin Wurth are scheduled to compete in the event.

For more information regarding Razorback track and field or University of Arkansas athletics, please visit ArkansasRazorbacks.com.

Sunday Results

Former Razorbacks
Pole vault (final)
5. April Bennett – 4.40m/14-5.25
9. Janice Keppler – 4.25m/13-11.25
--. Katie Stripling – NH

100 Meters (semifinal – from Saturday)
13. LaShaunte’a Moore – 11.33