Columbia International University freshman John Hunter James of Irmo, South Carolina is the NAIA National Champion in men’s pole vaulting with a CIU record of 5.20m (17.06 feet). James, a Dutch Fork High School graduate, celebrated his accomplishent March 7 at the NAIA meet in Brookings, South Dakota.

James held the school record in the pole vault at 4.95m (16.24 ft.) but shattered the height with his performance on the national stage. This was the first trip to the NAIA Indoor Track & Field National Championships for the CIU Rams.

James earned NAIA All-American status with his leap, becoming the first CIU athlete to achieve NAIA All-American recognition for any sport.

James thanked God for the win.

“I tried to jump to the best of my abilities and with the help of my amazing coaches we were able to get it done and show what God is capable of doing." James said.

CIU Track and Field Head Coach Jud Brooker said James worked hard on his vaulting all season and it paid off.

“To pull it all together and have his record performance at Nationals is astounding and shows persistence and perseverance,” Brooker said.

Watch video of the winning Vault by John Hunter James here.

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