“Around the Oval’’ 3 U.S. Prep Indoor Records Fall

R.I. Track & Field Foundation

     In three indoor meets around the country over the weekend, three American high school records were set. At the Armory Invitational, senior Drew Hunter, of Louden Valley High in Virginia clocked 3:58.25 in an open mile event. He is only the second prep runner to crack 4 minutes since fellow Virginian Alan Webb posted his history-making time of  3:59.86 15 years ago.

     At a meet in Baton Rouge, La., Mondo Duplantis cleared 18-0.50 (5.50 meters) in the pole vault. The Lafayette (La.) High sophomore became only the second prep vaulter to make 18 feet (5.49) indoors. His mark betters the previous U.S. record of 17-11.25 (5.47) set last year by Deakin Volz, of Bloomington, Indiana.

     And at a meet at the University of New Mexico Friday night, Vashti Cunningham cleared 6-4.75 (1.95) in the high jump. The junior from Bishop Gorman High in Nevada eliminated a 32 year-old record of 6-3 (1.90) that was held by Lisa Bernhagen, of Idaho. Cunningham also holds the national outdoor prep high jump record at 6-5 (1.96). She is touted as a favorite to make the U.S. Olympic team.