March 11, 2016

Results

GRINNELL, Iowa - Following two and a half years of setbacks and comebacks, junior Terrill Webb (Kenton) realized one of her collegiate dreams today at the NCAA Division III Indoor Track & Field National Championship by earning All-America status in women's pole vault. Webb finished 6th in a field of 17 competitors with the top eight being designated All-American while equaling her school and personal record clearance of 12' 5.50". 

Entering the competition at the opening height of 11' 1.75", Webb easily cleared the bar on her first attempt. The bar was then raised to 11' 7.75"; she again cleared effortlessly on her first attempt. The  next height, 12' 1.50", saw Webb clearing on her second attempt, establishing her in 9th, and putting her in position to advance to 8th or better. Crunch time came as the bar was raised to 12' 5.50". A clearance of this height was going to be required to achieve All-America so the pressure was on. While her first two attempts were quality, she clipped the bar on the way down to the mat and found herself facing the pressure of needing a clearance on her final attempt. After some adjustments to her step, Webb dug deep and executed a technically beautiful jump. 

"I assured her that the height for the clearance was there," said vault coach Clint Dillon, "And that she needed to trust her training and execute like she has numerous times before. Terrill's ability to perform at the highest level in the biggest meet of her career, equaling her best clearance, speaks volumes to the athlete and competitor that she is." 

With seven athletes remaining in the competition, Webb now had the opportunity to continue to climb the steps of the podium. Rather than
playing it safely, coach and athlete decided to move to a bigger pole than she had ever used in competition in an attempt to clear the next height of 12'
7.50". Webb had two solid attempts at this height, again hitting the bar on the way down, and finishing the competition in the aforementioned 6th place. 

"Words are not quite adequate to convey my pride in and happiness for Terrill and Coach Dillon," said Head Coach Karen Brandt. "They have a trusting
bond as coach and athlete; they are passionate students of the sport; and they don't feel accomplishment comes easily but is the product of hard work and commitment. Both are assets to the program not only for the results they achieve but importantly for the role model they provide. Bluffton track and field is on the rise, in no small part because of what they are accomplishing."

The Beavers open the outdoor campaign Friday and Saturday, March 18 and 19 at Washington & Lee University in Lexington, VA.

-BEAVERS-