New Star Shines for UofL Track and Field -- SATURDAY CARDINAL COUPLE

Ashley Callahan Breaks Pole Vault Record

Louisville track and field has had quite a bit of success over the last decade or so, especially in the realm of field events. Even more specifically, the Cards have excelled at jumps of many kinds, adding that to their list of specialties alongside throws. Louisville has three indoor national championships, all in weight throw, with the most recent coming in 2021. Their success in jumps has come primarily outdoors, with the Cards having a stellar season in 2022. That year saw three individual ACC champions in Synclair Savage (long jump), Emily Scott (high jump), and Gabriela Leon (pole vault). Leon would go on to win Louisville's first NCAA individual outdoor championship that season. 

Despite her championship, Gabriela Leon's didn't hold the most recent indoor pole vault record, as Natalie Lark broken the school record last February. Lark's record stood for just 11 months. Yesterday, at the Bellarmine Open hosted in the Norton Healthcare Sports & Learning Center, Ashley Callahan set a new school record of 4.48m (14'-8.25"). The senior transfer from San Diego State broke Lark's record by just one-quarter of an inch, but I would expect her to continue to push that barrier as the season goes on. 

photo by Mallory Peak via gocards.com

Callahan was one of five winners for the Cards yesterday in the one day event. On the women's side, she was joined by Demaria King, who set a personal best in the weight throw. The men also won the pole vault and weight throw, with KJ Byrd and Matt Giuliano. Josiah Horton set a personal best, as well, on his way to victory in the 800m.

Louisville track and field will be back in action next weekend, splitting the team between athletes staying home for the Bellarmine Invitational in the same building and going to Indianapolis for the Crossroads of America Invitational. 

Until next time, Go Cards!

Case