MOSCOW - University of Idaho senior Melinda Owen recorded a WAC record and NCAA-leading pole vault height of 14’ 5.25” (4.40m) in her final home meet as a Vandal, also etching her name into the Idaho school record books. Owen, a 2007 NCAA All-American and five-time WAC champion, finishes her career as the most dominant pole vaulter in Idaho and WAC history.
Owen’s height also meets the USA Olympic Trials ?B’ standard, is the fourth-best in the United States and the 11th-best in the world this season. She is the third Vandal this season to hit an Olympic Trial qualifying mark and the first on the women’s side.
Owen is the defending conference champion in the pole vault and will look to defend her title and earn her sixth WAC pole vault title this weekend at the WAC Outdoor Track and Field Championships in Boise, Idaho, May 14-17.