National Champion again!

National Champion again!

John Hunter James clears the pole to become NAIA  national champ.
John Hunter James is flanked by Pole Vault Coach Rusty Shealy (left) and Head Coach Jud Brooker.

John Hunter James is flanked by Pole Vault Coach Rusty Shealy (left) and Head Coach Jud Brooker.

Columbia International University sophomore John Hunter James took first place in the men's pole vault at the NAIA Indoor Track & Field National Championships for the second consecutive year. He cleared 5.20 meters at Nationals in 2020, and then moved to even higher heights as he vaulted 5.25 meters in 2021. The mark is the highest cleared by anyone at the NAIA Indoor National Track & Field Championships since 2010.

"I am nothing but thankful to have the chance to honor God," said James.

With his top finish, James notches NAIA All-American status for the second time in his CIU career. He is the only athlete from any sport in CIU history to be named an NAIA All-American.

For more on the story see CIU’s Athletics website.

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