January 30, 2006

RENO, Nev. - Senior Brian Mondschein and junior Erin Mahony led the Virginia Tech pole vault squads as each set a new personal-best mark at the Pole Vault Summit last weekend.

Mondschein finished the competition as the second-place collegiate performer after vaulting 5.45m (17'10.50"). The mark is a new career best. It is also the second-best mark in school history.

Juniors Adam Bingaman and Joe Samaniuk performed well, each vaulting 4.55m (14'11.25").

On the women's side, Mahony improved upon the program's second-best vault with an effort of 3.75m (12'3.75"). She had previously owned a career-best mark of 3.70m (12'1.50").

Fellow junior Abbey McGrath also vaulted 3.75m (12'3.75") at the competition. The effort is her fourth-best vault of the season.

Kim Johnston and Jennifer Wade each cleared a height of 3.55m (11'7.75"). Johnston's vault is a personal best and is the fourth-best vault in school history. Wade owns the school's third-best vault after clearing 3.65m (11'11.75") earlier this season.

The Virginia Tech track and field teams are back in action this weekend. The throws group will attend the Husker Invitational in Lincoln, Neb., from Feb. 3-4, while other team members will participate at the Liberty Record Bash on Saturday, Feb. 4.