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May 23, 2008 Chris Gardner became IUP's first ever NCAA men's outdoor All-American in the high jump at the Division II national meet Friday in Walnut, Calif. Gardner, a senior from New Brighton High School, cleared the bar at 6'8 ¾" to place in a tie for fifth. The only previous IUP All-American in the high jump came in 1976 when Stan Shockley was third at the NAIA national meet. Gardner also competed in the long jump Thursday and finished 15th with a distance of 22'0 ¼". Sean Strauman was the top qualifier in the 800 meters with a time of 1:49.78 and will be seeking the national championship in the event Saturday night. Strauman, a senior from South Park High School, is a four-time All-American in the 800, including seventh and fourth place finishes at the outdoor meet. Gretchen Colwell was the third IUP athlete in action Friday. The senior from Redbank Valley High School was 12th in the hammer with a throw of 159-7, exceeding her seeding entering the meet by five spots. Colwell won the PSAC title in the event. In addition to Strauman, Rob Conrad will compete in the javelin and Troy Litten will see action in the pole vault on the final day of the meet. |
