“Mondo” to make Mt. SAC Relays debut

Record-setting junior pole vaulter will make trip from Louisiana to compete at prestigious event, which will be held for first time at El Camino College

By Erik Boal, DyeStat Editor

The 59th Brooks/Mt. San Antonio College Relays will get a boost from the most accomplished high school pole vaulter in the world.

Armand “Mondo” Duplantis, a junior at Lafayette High in Louisiana, has been confirmed to attend the April 13-15 event at El Camino College’s Murdock Stadium in Torrance, according to meet director Doug Todd. The site has been changed because of ongoing renovation at Mt. SAC’s Hilmer Lodge Stadium after last year’s meet was held at Cerritos College.

“I spoke (Friday) with Greg (Duplantis) on the phone. The date works out well for them and Mondo’s coming,” Todd said. “It’s going to be a lot of fun for West Coast track and field fans to see him compete in person. I know there’s going to be an amazing amount of support in the stands for him on meet day and not just from pole vault fans, everyone will want to see (him) get after it.”

Duplantis, who will participate in the high school invitational competition April 15, became the first high school athlete to clear 19 feet March 11 when he vaulted 19-1 (5.82m) to win New Balance Nationals Indoor at The Armory in New York City.

- Watch Duplantis’ record-setting vault at nbnationalsin.com | DyeStat Interview

In addition to the national high school record, Duplantis also broke the World U-20 and Swedish national indoor records. He also surpassed the family standard of 19-0.25 (5.80m) held by his father.

The national high school outdoor record is still 18-4.50 (5.60m) held by Chris Nilsen of Park Hill MO. Duplantis cleared eight bars during his indoor season higher than that mark.

Nilsen, a freshman at South Dakota, won the NCAA Indoor title March 10 by clearing 18-8.25 (5.70m).

Duplantis’ best outdoor clearance is 18 feet (5.48m) from the Great Southwest Classic in June in New Mexico.

The Mt. SAC Relays meet record is 19-1, set in 2007 by Mexico’s Giovanni Lanaro.