Jones Takes Second in Pole Vault, Nivala Is Fourth in Hurdles, at Linfield

By Robert McKinney, Assistant Athletics Director, Communications

McMINNVILLE, Ore. -- Elijah Jones (So., Salem, OR/Central HS) from the Willamette University men's track and field team took second place in the pole vault during the Linfield Open on Saturday, May 4 at Maxwell Field. Teammate Matthew Nivala (Fy., Salem, OR/West Salem HS) was fourth in the 100-meter hurdles. Seven Bearcats competed in men's events on Saturday.

Jones cleared 13' 6.25" in the pole vault. He trailed only Mason Hrcek from Seattle Pacific University, who won the event at 14' 0".

In the men's 110 hurdles, Nivala registered a time of 15.87 seconds. Nivala was 0.04 behind Jevon Cloy of Linfield University, who placed third in 15.83 seconds. TJ Davis of Eastern Oregon University was first in 14.99 seconds, and Josh Boast from Central Washington University placed second in 15.57 seconds.

Two Bearcats earned sixth place in their respective events. Myles Crandall (Fy., Monmouth, OR/Central HS) was sixth in the 400-meter dash with a season-best time of 49.87 seconds. Judah Ali'ifua (So., Salem, OR/West Salem HS) placed sixth in the javelin throw with a toss of 149' 0".

Liam Bergevin (Fy., Walla Walla, WA/Walla Walla HS) of WU took seventh in the 800-meter run with a time of 1:58.21. He finished just over a second off the lead and 0.48 out of fifth place.

Adam Lewis (Fy., Glendale, CA/Eagle Rock HS) was ninth for the Bearcats in the 1,500-meter run. His time was recorded at 4:15.66. Roan Bashioum (Fy., Salem, OR/North HS) placed 11th in the hammer throw. Bashioum registered a top throw of 140' 7".

Willamette is scheduled to compete at the GFU Last Chance Meet at George Fox University on Thursday, May 16. The meet will be held at Stoffer Family Stadium in Newberg, Oregon.