Kimmel Becomes Fifth Spartan National Champion, Wins High Jump

MARIETTA, OH -Manchester College junior John Kimmel won the Division III 2009 NCAA Track and Field title in the high jump on Saturday, clearing 2.12 meters (6'-11 1/2") on his second attempt, edging out Zach Shew of McMurry University, who successfully cleared 6'-10 1/4" (2.11 meters) to place second.

Kimmel qualified just a week ago at the North Central Last Chance meet, and headed into the NCAA Championships with the second best height of the year at 2.11 meters. Kimmel has qualified for three NCAA Championships, and recently placed 12th overall at this year's indoors nationals. He joins former Spartan track and field national champions David Glassburn, also in the high jump, Brenda Ramsey in the indoor and outdoor 5k, Amy Petersime in the 100 meter hurdles and wrestling's Darrell Carr.

Joining Kimmel in competition at the NCAA Championships were junior Korey Bucher and sophomore Kailey Honn. Bucher won his heat in Friday's preliminary to advance to Saturday's finals. He finished third overall, setting a school record for the fourth time this year with a time of 47.68. Honn went on to finish 12th overall out of 25 competitors. Both Kimmel and Bucher earn All-American honors and Manchester ended the event 14th in the nation under tenth year head coach Brian Cashdollar.