The king once again is wearing his crown as K-State’s Erik Kynard successfully defended his high jump title Thursday in the NCAA outdoor track and field championships, clearing 7 feet, 8 inches. Kynard held off Indiana’s Derek Drouin in a thrilling final, though his stab at tying the collegiate record of 7-9 3/4 fell short. Kynard set the K-State and Drake Stadium record with his winning leap. He currently sits #2 in the world heading into the US Olympic Trials at the end of the month. After the event to celebrate, Kynard wore a paper crown from Burger King he picked up at lunch.
Kynard initially trailed Drouin before clearing his winning height on the first try. He missed twice at 7 feet 5 and three quarter inches. But, Kynard was the first jumper to clear 7 feet 8 inches and Drouin missed his first attempt, and two subsequent attempts at the next height to give Kynard the title.
K-State’s other defending NCAA champion is Ryann Krais in the heptathalon. Krais currently sits in 18th place thru four events after day one. She is less than 200 points behind the competitor in eighth place, and less than 400 points behind second place. The heptathlon concludes today with the long jump, javelin, and 800 meter run.
