Complete USATF Pole Vault Results

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Former North Dakota State University athlete Shawn Francis recorded a lifetime-best effort in the pole vault on Saturday, Feb. 22, to earn runner-up honors at the USA Track & Field Indoor Championships.
 
Francis cleared 18-02.50 (5.55m) for a new personal best. Mark Hollis won the national championship by clearing the same height on his first attempt, while Francis cleared it on his second attempt.
 
Francis, a native of Hastings, Minn., competed for the Bison from 2005-09, claiming Summit League titles in the pole vault during the 2008 outdoor season and the 2009 indoor season. He received All-Summit League honors four times and was a two-time USTFCCCA All-Academic selection.
 
Francis placed fifth at the USA Indoor Championships in 2013 with a clearance of 18-00.50 (5.50m). His previous personal-best mark was 18-01.25 (5.52m).
 
NDSU alum and four-time American champion Amanda Smock will compete in the triple jump at the USATF Championships tomorrow. The women's triple jump begins at 11:45 a.m. (CT)/10:45 a.m. (MT).