June 9, 2006

SACRAMENTO, Calif. - Senior Brian Mondschein ended his illustrious Virginia Tech career as a three-time All-American after posting a fourth-place finish at the NCAA Outdoor National Championships that were held on the campus of Sacramento State in Sacramento, Calif., Friday afternoon.

Mondschein vaulted 5.45m (17'10.50") on his first attempt but was unable to clear the bar when it was moved to 5.50m (18'0.50"). Beginning the competition at 5.10m (16'8.75"), he cleared each height on the first attempt before reaching 5.50m. Mondschein cleared four heights, including 5.10m, 5.25m (17'2.75"), 5.35m (17'6.50") and 5.45m.

He ends his Tech career as the indoor and outdoor school-record holder. Earlier this season, Mondschein vaulted 5.53m (18'1.75") at the Clemson Invitational. In addition to his three All-American accolades, Mondschein won two NCAA East Region Championships and three ACC Championships (two outdoor and one indoor).

"It was a good, solid performance," Director of Track and Field Dave Cianelli said. "Brian beat some outstanding vaulters and he had a great career. It was a good way to end it for him."

The men's team ends the NCAA Outdoor National Championships with 23 team points. At the completion of the pole vault, the Hokies stand in second place, three points behind Tennessee.

Tech's Kristen Callan competes in the hammer throw finals beginning at 10 a.m. PST. Saskia Triesscheijn and Gunild Kreb complete the heptathlon tomorrow beginning at 10:30 a.m. PST.