NEW ORLEANS – BYU pole vaulter Zach McWhorter was named USTFCCCA Men’s National Athlete of the Week on Tuesday.
McWhorter cleared a BYU school record 5.85m/19-2.25 at the Columbia Challenge in New York City on Feb. 4. The sophomore from Springdale, Arkansas first set the BYU record with a 5.80m/19-0.25 at the 2021 NCAA Indoor Track and Field Championships.
McWhorter has now surpassed that mark twice this season, with each clearance proceeded by National Athlete of the Week recognition.
McWhorter’s mark at the Columbia Challenge also tied former Texas pole vaulter Jacob Davis (1999) for No. 5 in NCAA Division I history.
BYU director of track and field Ed Eyestone offered high praise for McWhorter’s record-extending performance.
“The way Zach came through on the pole vault on Friday was very inspiring,” Eyestone said. “That performance will prepare him physically and mentally for a battle of the titans at nationals.”
At 5.85m, McWhorter continues to lead the nation in men’s pole vault and has also been recognized on both the men’s preseason and mid-season watch lists for The Bowerman; collegiate track and field’s highest honor.