Pitman looks to join former Arkansas star Tina Sutej as only repeat winner in women’s pole vault in meet history

By Erik Boal, DyeStat Editor

Katherine Pitman described the setting Tuesday as a “low-key meet” at the CNY Cortland Challenge at the SUNY Cortland Sports Complex.

But there was nothing low key about the performance of the Ithaca College senior pole vaulter in her final tuneup meet before competing Thursday at the 124th Penn Relays at Franklin Field in Philadelphia.

Programming Note: You can watch the live Webcast here of the meet Thursday, Friday and Saturday. The USATF.TV broadcast and on-demand videos will only be available for USATF.TV +PLUS subscribers. Subscribe here.

Pitman surpassed her own NCAA Division 3 outdoor record with a second-attempt clearance at 14 feet, 1.75 inches (4.31m), eclipsing the mark of 14-1.25 (4.30m) from May 17 at the Oneonta Last Chance Qualifier.

“It feels great to surpass my mark from last spring,” said Pitman, who missed on three attempts at 14-3 (4.36m).

“This year, coach (Matt) Scheffler and I have been working on consistency and trying to hit big heights every weekend. I’ve been over 14 feet five times now, so it feels great knowing that I am becoming more consistent at those bars.”

Pitman, a three-time NCAA champion, also improved on the Division 3 indoor record March 9 by clearing 14-0.50 (4.28m) to defend her title. She also took three attempts at 14-3 during that meet, giving her 12 career tries at a personal best and plenty of valuable experience along the way.

“I definitely think I have more in the tank,” Pitman said. “I still have a lot of improvements to make on my jumps, which lets me know that I have room to grow and improve. I am excited to see what the rest of the season, including Penn Relays, has in store.”

Pitman is the only Division 3 female athlete in any field event to be ranked in the top 10 this season among all collegiate performers, improving to No. 9 following Tuesday’s record-setting vault.

She is looking to make more history Thursday by becoming the first Division 3 women’s pole vaulter in meet history to repeat as champion. The only other female pole vaulter to secure multiple collegiate titles at Penn Relays is former Arkansas standout and meet record holder Tina Sutej from 2010-12.

“Penn Relays is a really exciting meet that I look forward to competing in every year,” said Pitman, who cleared 13-5.25 (4.10m) to win last year.

“The girls at Penn are all great jumpers and super competitive, which is what makes it so much fun. As for Thursday’s competition, last year’s results go out the window. It’s a new day, and the best vaulter that day will be the one to win.”