June 25, 2010

Three weeks ago, Jason Colwick saw his colllegiate career end on a rainy day in Eugene, Oregon where the competition had to be restarted after an officiating error and the defending NCAA Outdoor champion failed to clear his opening height and the NCAA Outdoor Championships.

Any lingering disappointment from that effort was eased on Friday as Colwick placed third at the USA Outdoor Track and Field Championships in Des Moines, Iowa.

Colwick, who has battled a nagging hamstring injury all season, cleared 5.50/18-1/2 on his first attempt of the competition. He improved three spots from his previous best effort at the Outdoor National Championships after finishing sixth in 2009.

Mark Hollis and Derek Miles, who came into the meet as the only American to vault higher than Colwick with a best of 5.80/19' 0¼", both cleared 5.60/18-4 ½, while Colwick passed on the height. All three then missed at 5.70/18' 8¼ with Hollis earning his first national title, while Miles, who won in 2008, finished second and Colwick earning the bronze medal.