Matthew Gray, current NCAA pole vault leader, has qualified for the NCAA Outdoor Track and Field Championships after leading App State at the NCAA East First Round in Lexington, KY. Seven Mountaineers aimed for national qualification, with Gray clearing 5.45m to secure his spot in Eugene. Other athletes, including Lilly Nichols and Kendall Johnson, also showcased strong performances, despite narrowly missing qualification in their events.

By the Numbers
  • Matthew Gray cleared 5.45m, tied for best in the competition.
  • Kendall Johnson clocked a time of 11.37 seconds, just 0.06 seconds off her personal best.
State of Play
  • Gray is the third Mountaineer in four years to qualify for the championships, aiming for the first outdoor national title since 2001.
  • Seven athletes from App State participated in the East First Round, marking a strong program representation.
What's Next

Gray will compete in the men's pole vault at the NCAA Championships in Eugene, Oregon, from June 10-13. Other athletes will aim for improvements in their performance for future competitions.

Bottom Line

Matthew Gray's achievement highlights App State's growing track and field program, setting the stage for potential national success. The performances at the East First Round reflect the team's competitive spirit and readiness for future challenges.