Wearing CIU鈥檚 first National Champion ring
Fellowship of the Ring: Coach Jud Brooker, Coach Rusty Shealy and John Hunter James (Photo by Kierston Smith)
星空无限传媒鈥檚 first national athletics champion was recognized in a special athletics chapel service as he was presented with his championship ring.
As a freshman with the CIU Rams, of Irmo, South Carolina became the NAIA National Champion in men鈥檚 pole vaulting at the NAIA meet in Brookings, South Dakota on March 7, 2020, clearing the bar at 5.20m (17.06 feet).
Also receiving rings were Track & Field Head Coach and Pole Vaulting Coach .
Watch video of the winning vault by John Hunter James听.
More recently, on Jan. 25, 2021, James was named both the Men's Indoor Field Athlete of the Week and the (National Christian College Athletic Association) Men's Indoor Track and Field Student-Athlete of the Week. The honors came after taking first place in the Samford Open, clearing 4.85m (15'11 feet). The mark is the top height in both the NAIA and the NCCAA this season, and James has already qualified for the 2021 NAIA Indoor National Championship.
Brooker says James鈥 most recent accomplishments are commendable, especially since he has just recovered from a serious ankle injury.
鈥淭o come back in his first competition in almost a year and have the top mark in the nation is a significant accomplishment and a testament to his work ethic,鈥 Brooker said.
What鈥檚 your sport? Excitement is growing on the CIU campus with an expanding athletics program. Discover more at听.听听on enrollment or call (800) 777-2227, ext. 5024.听听听听听听
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