Stefanidi secures first victory in Reno since 2015, Ludwig prevails against impressive men’s field as Americans too deep for international lineups in both genders

By Erik Boal, DyeStat Editor

Katerina Stefanidi made her triumphant return to the runway Friday at the UCS Spirit National Pole Vault Summit and Akron senior Matt Ludwig upstaged an impressive field at the Reno Livestock Events Center to again establish himself as a strong contender for an NCAA Division 1 title.

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With the added incentive of vaulting in the inaugural USA vs. The World competition, Stefanidi prevailed in the women’s elite competition by outlasting American Katie Nageotte and Ludwig shined in the men’s elite event, holding off Japan’s Seito Yamamoto among several international stars.

Stefanidi, competing at the Pole Vault Summit for the first time since 2016, won her first title in Reno since 2015 by clearing 15-6.50 (4.74m). Nageotte also had a 16-6.50 clearance, but took second based on needing three attempts to make 14-11.50 (4.56m) versus only one for Stefanidi.

Arkansas senior Lexi Jacobus placed third with a 15-3.50 (4.66m) clearance, improving on her own collegiate-leading mark.

Canada’s Alysha Newman, along with Americans Annie Rhodes-Johnigan and Morgann Leleux-Romero all cleared 14-11.50.

The quartet of Nageotte, Jacobus, Rhodes-Johnigan and LeLeux-Romero helped Team USA earn bragging rights over the international lineup.

Ludwig, the 2017 Division 1 outdoor champion, cleared 18-9 (5.71m) on his first attempt to prevail on fewer misses against Yamamoto, who made the bar on his second try.

American Andrew Irwin of Arkansas Pole Vault Club placed third by clearing 18-4.75 (5.61m).

LSU freshman Armand “Mondo” Duplantis, last year’s elite men’s winner, represented Sweden by tying for fourth place with American Devin King with an 18-1 (5.51m) clearance.

American Nate Richartz also cleared 18-1, giving Team USA the victory, combined with the efforts of Ludwig, Irwin and King. The world lineup faced a significant challenge from the outset, when 2015 World champion Shawn Barber of Canada didn’t clear the first bar at 17-3 (5.26m).

UCLA freshman Sondre Guttormsen, representing Norway, had his streak of 14 consecutive meets of clearing at least 18-0.50 (5.50m) halted. Guttormsen cleared 17-9 (5.41m), but then missed two tries at 18-1, before passing and taking a third unsuccessful attempt at 18-4.75.

After winning the men’s open competition last year, American Austin Miller prevailed in the men’s elite second flight by clearing 18-1 on his first attempt to hold off former Texas A&M standout Audie Wyatt, who cleared the bar on his second try.

Arkansas senior Tori Hoggard won the women’s elite second flight by clearing 14-7 (4.46m) on her first try to secure the victory over fellow American Kortney Ross, who made the bar on her second attempt.