News

McMonigle wins at Mount Union meet

Junior turns focus toward NCAA Championship

March 5, 2011

Braden McMonigle tuned up for the NCAA Championship by jumping to a win at the Mount Union Last Chance Meet.

ALLIANCE — Wilmington College junior Braden McMonigle tuned up for next weekend’s NCAA Indoor Track and Field Championship by winning the high jump at the Mount Union Last Chance Meet Saturday.

McMonigle (Monroe/Lemon-Monroe) cleared 6-4.75 to win the event.

“When you put everything in perspective, today was alright,” Wilmington assistant coach Joel Smith said. “We were hoping for a little more the week before nationals, but some good things happened that needed to. We wanted to come in at a higher height, so we came in at 6-4.75. He cleared that easily, and we were able to work on some little technical things. His ankle feels good and he’s getting height again. I don’t think the long van ride up here right before he jumped helped. I know he will feel better next week. He will have his legs. He’s just an athlete. His bar clearance is going to be there. He’s got such good natural awareness. I’m not worried about next week.”

McMonigle, who jumped a school-record 6-9 earlier this season, will join the nation’s other top jumpers in the NCAA meet at Capital University March 11. The high jump is scheduled to get under way at 2:30 p.m.