TOWSON, Md. --- Sophomore pole vaulter Ryan Karnopp of the Moravian College men's indoor track & field team has been named the Landmark Conference Male Field Athlete of the Week for his performance last weekend.
Karnopp captured first place in the pole vault at the non-scoring Crusader Classic hosted by Susquehanna University with an ECAC qualifying mark of 4.55 meters (14 feet, 11 inches). Karnopp's win marked the second straight meet that he has won the event, and he is currently tied for 14th in the nation with a season-high mark of 4.65 meters (15 feet, three inches). The top 15 marks will head to the NCAA Division III National Championships in Lincoln, Nebraska on March 14 & 15.
"Ryan has been off to a great start to his season," stated head coach Jesse Baumann. "Not only has he been setting big personal records early in the season, but we know there is a lot more there. He has had some really good attempts at 15'9" last week at Lehigh, and 15'6" this weekend at Susquehanna. In practice and warm ups, he has been clearing 15'6" so we know he has that jump in him, he's just got to do it during the meet, which we all feel will happen sooner than later.
"We've thought NCAA's could be a possibility for him this year, and if he's able to clear 15'9" indoors, I think that could become a reality," finished Baumann.
Moravian is slated to return to action on Friday, February 14 at the Lafayette College-Rider University Winter Games at the New York City Armory in Manhattan beginning at 4:00 p.m.
