LEXINGTON, Ky. - Matthew Gray - the top-ranked pole vaulter in the NCAA and one of the best in the world this year - added another achievement to his growing list Wednesday at the NCAA East First Round when he qualified for the upcoming NCAA Outdoor Track & Field Championships.
With a clearance of 5.45m/17-10.5 - tied for the best in the field - he became the third App State athlete in the last four years to punch a ticket to Eugene.
The junior from Bryson City, N.C., is the first men's pole vaulter in program history to qualify for the NCAA Outdoor Championships and the second pole vaulter in as many years (Lilly Nichols, 2025). The last time any Mountaineer advanced to NCAA Outdoors on the men's side was 2015.
Coming off his record-setting performance at the Sun Belt Outdoor Championships, Gray's day started a little later than most, as he was one of five competitors to pass on the first two heights. He then cleared 5.35m/17-6.5 with ease on his first attempt before eclipsing 5.45m/17-10.5 on his second attempt to qualify.
Six more Mountaineers will compete in Lexington to attempt to join Gray in Eugene.
Thursday, May 28
Friday, May 29
