Track and Field News 2012 Prep All American Men

Vaulter Shawn Barber was the top choice as number one, garnering 8 of 18 votes from the Track and Field News panel, but sprinter Tyreek Hill edged him by 2 points for Athlete of the Year honors, the smallest margin ever.  No vaulter has won since 2003. .

• Shawn Barber (Kingswood, Texas) 2^nd New Balance Indoor;1^st State 4A; 1^st Great Southwest; 1^st New Balance Nationals; 6^th USA Juniors; National High School Record 18-3 ½
• Jacob Blankenship (Gahanna, Ohio) 1^st Pole Vault Summit; 1^st New Balance Indoor; 1^st State; 2^nd Mid-West Meet of Champions; 3^rd USA Juniors; 17-6 ½
• Dylan Bell (Alvarado, Texas) 4^th New Balance Indoor; 2^nd Texas Regions; 1^st State-3A; 17-3 ¾
• Reese Watson (Spring, Texas) 3^rd Texas Region; 1^st State 5A; 2^nd Great Southwest; nh USA Juniors 17-7
• Garrett Starkey (Chandler, Arizona) 3^rd Pole Vault Summit; 2^nd State; 3^rd Great Southwest; 7^th USA Juniors; 17-0 

Although he suffered a few loses, national record holder, Barber, backed up the big mark nicely…Blankenship had a long season and was good when it counted…Bell had no post season to boost his case