Wednesday, June 10
Eugene, Ore.
6:35 PM (MT)
Montana
vs
NCAA Championships
Photo by: Ben Vanderbosch
Swindler places 21st at NCAA Championship
6/10/2026 9:59:00 PM | Men's Track and Field
Kevin Swindler's record setting junior season came to an end with a 21st place finish at the NCAA Outdoor Championships on Wednesday night in Eugene, Oregon. Swindler cleared two bars in the competition, finishing at a height of 17-6.5.
The first pole vaulter from Montana to ever reach the NCAAs made himself at home early on the runway at Hayward Field. Swindler had a near miss on his first attempt at the opening bar of 17-0.75 but went over with ease on his second try.
The progressions moved quickly as the next bar was at 17-6.5, just an inch below Swindler's school record. He missed his first two attempts, but was able to clear on his third try to advance to the 18-foot mark.
The third bar sat over 18 feet in the air, higher than any Grizzly has ever jumped by nearly a half foot. Swindler gave it a great try, clipping the bar on his final two attempts to exit at that height.
While he cleared the same bar as the 14th placed jumper, he dropped to 21st on tiebreakers to earn honorable mention All-American status.
"Great performance from Kevin today in his first national championship," head coach Doug Fraley said. "He jumped right at his personal best and had two really good attempts at 18 feet. We're very proud of the season he's put together and how much it means to him to represent the University of Montana on the biggest collegiate stge. This experience will only motivate Kevin to greater heights in the future."
Swindler was the first Grizzly pole vaulter to advance to the National Championships and the first athlete since Evan Todd in 2024 to make it to this stage.
He broke the school record this season on May 2 at the Bengal Invitational in Pocatello, Idaho. He matched that height at the NCAA West First Rounds in Fayetteville, Arkansas to punch his ticket to the NCAA Championships.
Swindler won the Big Sky Indoor Championship with a jump of 17-4.5. His exit at the NCAAs officially brings to an end a record setting season for the Grizzly track and field program, which finished 3rd in both the men's and women's championships both indoors and outdoors.
The first pole vaulter from Montana to ever reach the NCAAs made himself at home early on the runway at Hayward Field. Swindler had a near miss on his first attempt at the opening bar of 17-0.75 but went over with ease on his second try.
The progressions moved quickly as the next bar was at 17-6.5, just an inch below Swindler's school record. He missed his first two attempts, but was able to clear on his third try to advance to the 18-foot mark.
The third bar sat over 18 feet in the air, higher than any Grizzly has ever jumped by nearly a half foot. Swindler gave it a great try, clipping the bar on his final two attempts to exit at that height.
While he cleared the same bar as the 14th placed jumper, he dropped to 21st on tiebreakers to earn honorable mention All-American status.
"Great performance from Kevin today in his first national championship," head coach Doug Fraley said. "He jumped right at his personal best and had two really good attempts at 18 feet. We're very proud of the season he's put together and how much it means to him to represent the University of Montana on the biggest collegiate stge. This experience will only motivate Kevin to greater heights in the future."
Nebraska's Dyson Wicker won the title with a jump of 19-2.25.Two bars inside Hayward Field. Kevin Swindler proved he belonged with the nation's best tonight 👏 pic.twitter.com/EigpXmwNkk
— Montana Griz TF & XC (@MontanaGrizTFXC) June 11, 2026
Swindler was the first Grizzly pole vaulter to advance to the National Championships and the first athlete since Evan Todd in 2024 to make it to this stage.
He broke the school record this season on May 2 at the Bengal Invitational in Pocatello, Idaho. He matched that height at the NCAA West First Rounds in Fayetteville, Arkansas to punch his ticket to the NCAA Championships.
Swindler won the Big Sky Indoor Championship with a jump of 17-4.5. His exit at the NCAAs officially brings to an end a record setting season for the Grizzly track and field program, which finished 3rd in both the men's and women's championships both indoors and outdoors.
Players Mentioned
Jumps - PV
/ Men's Track and FieldThursday, June 04
Friday, May 01
Friday, May 01
Friday, May 01
