Senior pole vaulter Ainsley Hamsher from Youngstown State University broke the school's indoor record at the Akron Invitational. She cleared 4.30 meters to win the event and surpass the previous mark of 4.13 meters. Her performance ties her for 26th place nationally.
In Akron, Ohio, at the Stile Field House, Ainsley Hamsher delivered a standout performance during the Akron Invitational on Friday. The Youngstown State senior cleared heights of 3.70 meters and 3.80 meters on her first attempts. She advanced to 4.00 meters, clearing it on her second try, and at 4.10 meters, she went over the bar on her first attempt.
Hamsher then set a temporary school record by clearing 4.20 meters on her third and final attempt. She pushed further, clearing 4.30 meters also on her third try, smashing the prior school mark of 4.13 meters. This achievement ends a tie for the all-time indoor school lead that Hamsher herself held from February 14, 2025, alongside Melana Schumaker's mark from February 16, 2024.
Teammate Melana Schumaker had her best showing of the year, placing third with a clearance of 4.00 meters. Kaitlyn Eger finished fourth at 3.80 meters. Hamsher's 4.30-meter jump currently ties her for 26th in the nation with UCLA's Paige Sommers.
On the men's side, Lukas Lang achieved a career-best for the third straight meet, finishing second with 5.17 meters. Jak Rovan cleared 4.92 meters. The Penguins will next host the Horizon League Championships at the WATTS.
