Seagren Vaulted Into The Record Book

Celebrating A Century of NCAA Track & Field Championships

Seagren Vaulted Into The Record Book

Bob Seagren of Southern California wasn’t attempting just any pole vault world record at the 1969 NCAA Division I Outdoor Track & Field Championships.

This would be a barrier-breaker, as Seagren asked for the bar to be set at 18-feet (5.49m). It was rare air that had been attempted only a handful of times – including by Seagren himself when he set the then-current WR of 5.41m (17-9). 

Seagren was jumping alone, having already won the competition at 17-7 (5.36m) by a margin – 11 inches (28cm) – that has yet to be surpassed in meet history. 

Jubilation changed quickly as Seagren was over on his third attempt, but his elation changed the result as his left hand dislodged the crossbar, which fell off. 

“I was starting to clap my hands. I thought I made it,” he explained afterwards. 

That was the final attempt of Seagren’s collegiate career and a disappointing end to one of the best in the event, as he became the first vaulter in meet history to attempt the world record more than once (He also attempted a WR while winning 1967 NCAA title). 

Seagren’s collegiate days saw him set nine world records (three outdoor, six indoor) and win the 1968 Olympic gold medal in Mexico City. In NCAA Outdoor meet history, Seagren also became one of just two vaulters with a share of meet records at four different heights (He had three in 1967). The other was another USC great, Bill Sefton in 1935-37. 

Seagren would eventually scale 18-feet, doing so as the first American in 1972.

posted: November 16, 2020
1921-2021
The NCAA's First Championships

The NCAA and collegiate track & field will mark a momentous milestone in the spring of 2021 -- the 100th anniversary of the NCAA Championships and with that, the NCAA Track & Field Championships. In June 1921, the University of Chicago hosted the first track & field championships in NCAA history.

This point can’t be emphasized enough: Not only was the event the first for NCAA track & field, but the first championships for any sport under the sponsorship of the NCAA.

To celebrate, over each of the next 365 days, the U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA) will celebrate moments, student-athletes, and coaches that have made a century’s worth of championships special. From humble beginnings to important historical milestones to the modern-day, collegiate track & field has evolved with the American society.

The 2021 edition of the NCAA Division I Outdoor Track & Field Championships begin with preliminary round action on May 27-29 in Jacksonville, Fla., and College Station, Texas. The championships final site and culmination of the celebration is slated for June 9-12, 2021 at the newly rebuilt Hayward Field in Eugene, Ore.

Memorable Moments
Plab Reached Lofty Heights In NCAA HJ

Darrin Plab won back-to-back HJ titles at the NCAA DI Outdoor T&F Championships in 1991 & 1992. Plab cleared 2.34m (7-8) in 1992 & tied the 2nd best bar in meet history.

Peoples Made History One Lap At A Time

Maurice Peoples won the 440-yard dash in 1973 & then really turned up the heat. Peoples split 43.4 on the Sun Devils’ mile relay team that finished third in the final.

KU’s Lokedi Set 10K MR In 2018

Sharon Lokedi won the 10K at the 2018 NCAA DI Outdoor T&F Championships in a meet-record 32:09.20. Lokedi led five other women under the old final-site best, too.

Can Ereng Kick It? Yes, He Can!

Paul Ereng won back-to-back 800-meter titles at the NCAA DI Outdoor T&F Championships in 1988 & 1989. Ereng is still the current indoor record holder in the event.

Dwight Stones Set High Jump WR In 1976

Dwight Stones set a world record in the high jump of 2.31m (7-7) at the 1976 NCAA DI Outdoor T&F Championships. Stones also raised the MR by more than 3 inches!