University of Connecticut Athletics
University of Connecticut
NCAA Championships (June 8-11)
Hunter Sets School Record, Named All-American
6/9/2016 12:00:00 AM | Men's Track and Field
Complete Results
EUGENE, Ore. - For the second-consecutive season, UConn men's track and field standout Craig Hunter (Robbinsville, N.J.) established a new outdoor program record in the pole vault on his way to First Team All-America honors on Wednesday at the 2016 NCAA championships at Hayward Field on the campus of the University of Oregon.
Hunter registered a lifetime and program-best in the finals of Wednesday's event, clearing 5.45m on his way to fourth place overall. Tennessee's Jake Blankenship posted the meet's top result with a leap of 5.60m.
With Hunter's national honor, Connecticut has had a First Team All-America selection in three consecutive outdoor seasons after Eric Masington became the first-ever discus thrower to earn the honor in 2014. In total, the program boasts 36 All-Americans, including 24 under current head coach Greg Roy .
"Craig had the best competition of his career," said UConn associate head coach Rich Miller. "He had to battle significant adversity in warm-ups with changing weather conditions before stepping up once the competition began. He competed with great poise and determination and I could not be more proud of his meet."
Hunter advanced to Wednesday's championship after posting a 5.30m mark at the NCAA East Regionals on May 26 in Jacksonville, Fla. The Husky pole vaulter has turned in a standout outdoor campaign after redshirting during the 2016 indoor season. The Robbinsville, N.J. native grabbed a silver medal at the 2016 American Athletic Conference championship in Orlando, Fla., notching a season-best 5.30m mark in the pole vault.
A year ago, Hunter established the previous program outdoor record at the NCAA championships, clearing 5.40m in the pole vault.
Hayward Field was initially constructed for football in 1919. Two years later, a six-lane cinder track was installed and a full schedule of track events were transferred from Kincaid Field on the opposite edge of campus. The facility was utilized for both sports until the opening of Autzen Stadium in 1967.
The stadium (current capacity: 10,500) has undergone significant improvements in modern history, including a new track surface, permanent lights, a video board and newly configured infield.
The top-eight finishers in each event earn First Team All-America honors, while competitors who finish ninth through 16th are tabbed as Second Team All-America selections.
Check back with uconnhuskies.com throughout the summer months for updates on the team throughout the offseason.
Players Mentioned
