Jodon claims national title
The accolades and accomplishments for Laurel Highlands’ Jared Jodon seem to never end. This time it was a big one.
Jodon took first place in the nation Sunday at the 47th annual Adidas Golden West Invitational.
Jodon recorded a personal best and cleared a height of 16 feet, 3 inches to edge out the top pole vaulters in the nation.
“I’m not really pleased with the height, but I beat the No. 1 kid in the nation,” said Jodon. “Nothing beats winning at home, but this is unbelievable. It still hasn’t sunk in yet.”
Five other vaulters also cleared that height, but Jodon was the only competitor without any scratches.
Jodon is in California with his family and Laurel Highlands coach Bob Costello. He will spend today in San Francisco and will return home Tuesday.
The Adidas Golden West Invitational made its debut in 1960. Past participants have represented the United States in every Olympic Games since 1964 and have filled more than 150 positions on the American Olympic Track & Field teams.