Mulford concludes illustrious high jumping career
Central College
GENEVA, OHIO — One of the most decorated high jumpers in Central College men’s track and field history finished out his career Friday, as Logan Mulford (senior, Mount Pleasant) placed seventh at the NCAA Division III Outdoor Track and Field Championships.
Mulford earned his fourth All-American honors in the high jump, but finished a disappointing seventh after clearing just 6 feet, 8.25 inches. He had cleared all of his jumps prior to going three and out at 6-9.5
“While he didn’t finish where he wanted to, there’s still a lot to be proud of over his four years at Central,” coach Joe Dunham said. “Anytime you’re an All-American, you can’t downplay it because it doesn’t happen very often.”
Teammate Will Daniels (freshman, Genseo, Ill.) finished just off the podium in 10th, after also completing a successful jump of 6-8.25. He finished below Mulford based on prior misses.
“It was a great experience for him,” Dunham said. “I think he was a little disappointed he didn’t jump better. He’ll be extra motivated to get back to the national meet for another opportunity next year.”
Justin Lewis of Worcester State (Mass.) completed the winning jump at 7-1.
Ryan Kruse (junior, St. Clair, Minn.) closed out the decathlon with 6,164 points and a 13th place finish. In Friday’s two throwing events, Kruse came up well short of his personal bests. However, both his discus throw (127-9) and javelin throw (171-2.5) were top-five marks in regards to the rest of the field.
Matching a career-best effort in the pole vault, Kruse cleared 13-1.5. Kruse closed out the competition with a time of 5 minutes, 10.32 seconds in the 1,500 meters. He also ran the 110-meter hurdles in 16.47 seconds
“Overall, he was disappointed in the way things went,” Dunham said “He showed a lot of character by finishing it out competitively. This is something he can learn form and use to qualify for indoors and outdoors next year.”
Jack Flood of Cortland State (N.Y.) topped the field with 6,998 points.
The final Dutch athlete competing, Mark Fairley (junior, Dubuque), will run the final of the 3,000-meter steeplechase at 10:45 a.m. Saturday.
