Shawn Barber And Sandi Morris Win Pole Vault In Downtown Des Moines
Press Release
April 27, 2016
DES MOINES, Iowa – Shawn Barber, the 2015 the men’s pole vault World Champion, and Sandi Morris, the current women’s world leader, were the top individuals at the inaugural Capital Square Vault presented by the Des Moines Register and Catch Des Moines in downtown Des Moines on Wednesday, April 27.
Barber and Katie Nageotte were one of five pairs of two teamed up together in the men’s and women’s team competition. Barber and Negeotte recorded a combined height of 33 feet 2 inches.
Barber has become a regular at the Drake Relays presented by Hy-Vee and won last year’s men’s Beijing World Championship Preview after competing in the Hy-Vee Street Vault. He won Wednesday’s event by clearing 18-8.75 on his final attempt at the height.
“It was really unique to have it indoors this year. It is something that I haven’t experienced before at the Drake Relays. Having the crowd close in like this was awesome and I think the atmosphere was all there and that what really drove us to jump high,” Barber said. “Hopefully I have a chance at even higher bars on Friday.”
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Morris cleared 15-5 on her first attempt at the height to win the women’s event before attempting to record a personal best of 15-11 but barely missed on all three of her attempts.
“I had a blast and it was so much fun having everyone right there cheering for you,” Morris said. “I came out here hoping to put up some good bars and give the crowd a good show and I’m glad that I was able to accomplish that and have a good time.”
Sam Kendricks came in second on the men’s side as he cleared 18-4.50 and missed all three attempts to keep up with Barber, who passed at 18-8.25.
Katerina Stefanidi came in second for the second-straight year for the women, vaulting 14-9.
Action at the 2015 Drake Relays presented by Hy-Vee continues on Thursday inside Drake Stadium with the resumption of the decathlon and heptathlon in the morning. The afternoon session starts at 4 p.m. followed by the annual Distance Carnival at 7:30 p.m.