The 2023 edition of the Chico State women’s track & field team features a host of talented pole vaulters, and all turned in solid performances at the season-opening Kim Duyst Invitational. Sophomore Elise Barnum was the Wildcat that soared the highest at Warrior Stadium, grabbing a share of second place finish in the competition while nearly establishing a new personal best mark. Barnum’s stock is definitely on the rise, and her efforts in Turlock were more than enough to earn Wildcat of the Week honors.
Barnum and Amy Christensen of San Francisco State tied for second place in the pole vault with a height of 3.50 meters. Barnum was a true model of efficiency, needing just one try for each of her three successful vaults. The Sparks, Nevada product began the day clearing the bar at 3.20 meters, and on her next attempt, executed a clean vault at 3.35 meters.
Next for Barnum was the 3.50 meter mark, and she again nailed the vault on her very first try. It left Barnum just shy of her personal best mark of 3.53 meters, which she attempted to break by tackling the 3.65 meter mark. Though she was unsuccessful in three tries, Barnum still finished tied for second in the 11-athlete field and was the Wildcats’ top vaulter of the day.
Barnum and the Chico State women’s track & field team will be in action again this weekend, hosting the Wildcat Invitational at University Stadium.
