Meanwhile, Barber, the nation’s No. 1-ranked pole vaulter, extended his win streak to four with a meet-record jump of 18-03.75, which was a foot-and-a-half better than any other competitor. He is the first athlete in the nine-year history of the Akron Invitational to clear the 18-foot barrier, a feat he has accomplished three times in four weeks.
Barber, who already rewrote the school’s indoor record earlier this season, also beat his own facility mark of 18-02.75. As the lone jumper, Barber had three attempts at the World Junior Record of 18-08.00 but didn’t clear.
Pole Vault: 1. Shawn Barber, 18-03.75, 2. Joe Wesley, 16-10.75, 3. Shawn Light, 16-10.75;
Pole Vault: 4. Ariane Beaumont-Courteau, 13-00.25, 5. Chelsey Detwiler, 13-00.25, 6. Claire Lucas, 12-06.25, 6. Alexandra Wood, 12-06.25;
