West Central Reporter

Western Illinois University pole vaulter Arnie Grunert is set to compete at the NCAA Outdoor National Meet in Eugene, Oregon. The event will take place on Wednesday night, with the pole vault scheduled for 7 p.m. Central time. Fans can watch the meet on ESPN+.

Grunert has had a record-breaking season, most notably clearing 17 feet, 9.25 inches (5.42 meters) at the NCAA Region Championships in Fayetteville, Arkansas two weeks ago. This achievement makes him the first Leatherneck to qualify for a national meet since Ackeen Colley placed sixth in the 800 meters at the 2021 NCAA Indoor National Championships. He is also the first male from Western Illinois University to qualify for outdoor championships since Jamario Taylor and Nathaniel Marshall did so in 2014.

"Arnie has had an outstanding outdoor season," said WIU pole vault coach Tom Unruh. "Qualifying for nationals is a huge accomplishment." Unruh credited Coach Trey, Alena, Rob, Gio, and Grunert's teammates for their roles in his success this season.

Grunert's journey from high school athlete to top collegiate pole vaulter has been rapid. By his senior year of high school, he improved his best mark significantly and ranked among the top young pole vaulters nationally and globally.

"Arnie has improved so much since high school," stated WIU head track and field coach Trey Brokaw. "Being at this competition amongst the top 24 pole vaulters in the NCAA is already an impressive accomplishment."

Throughout this season, Grunert has consistently performed well but saved his best performances for major competitions like the Ohio Valley Conference Meet and NCAA West Region Meet.

"I feel much more consistent and in control of my performances since conference," Grunert commented. He expressed confidence about competing at Eugene with support from various circles including his church and family.