NEW ORLEANS -- BYU sophomore pole vaulter Zach McWhorter was honored as National Athlete of the Week by the USTFCCCA, the organization announced Tuesday.
McWhorter cleared 5.82m/19-1.25 to seize first place in the men's pole vault at the BYU December Invite on Friday, Dec. 10 at the Smith Fieldhouse. With the clearance, the sophomore from Springdale, Arkansas soared past his own school record set a season ago at the NCAA Indoor Track and Field Championships (5.80m/19-0.25). McWhorter's record-breaking mark is tied for No. 8 in NCAA Division I history with Istvan Bagyula of George Mason who set the mark in 1992.
The USTFCCCA reported that this marks the first time since 2015 in which a BYU athlete has received National Athlete of the Week honors during the indoor season.
Teammate Caleb Witsken combined with McWhorter for two of the top-3 pole vault marks in the nation during the week of Dec. 7-13.
The returning indoor All-American now owns the top two spots on the BYU men's indoor pole vault top-10 board and is coached by his father, former BYU pole vaulter, Rick McWhorter.
McWhorter and the Cougars will be back in action at their second indoor home meet at the Smith Fieldhouse on Jan. 13-15.
BYU Men's Indoor Pole Vault Top-10 Board
| Name | Mark (ft) | Mark (m) | Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Zach McWhorter | 19'1.25 | 5.82 | 2022 |
| Zach McWhorter | 19'0.25 | 5.80 | 2021 |
| Robison Pratt | 18'8.25 | 5.70 | 2006 |
| Jeff Hansen | 18'2.25 | 5.54 | 2002 |
| Victor Weirich | 18'2.00 | 5.54 | 2013 |
| Braydon Bringhurst | 18'0.50 | 5.50 | 2014 |
| Caleb Witsken | 18'0.50 | 5.50 | 2021 |
| Robert Low | 17'10.50 | 5.45 | 2009 |
| Dave Brannen | 17'10.50 | 5.45 | 1991 |
| Matt Weirich | 17'10.25 | 5.44 | 2008 |
| Chris Little | 17'9.25 | 5.42 | 2011 |