by Steven Fernandez
Daily Lobo
UNM pole vaulters Derek Mackel and Robert Caldwell will not be moving on in the NCAA Championships.
The duo failed on all three attempts to clear the opening height Wednesday at the NCAA Track and Field Championships held in Sacramento, Calif.
For the senior Mackel, it marks the end of an impressive career as a Lobo. At the NCAA Midwest Regional meet two weeks ago, Mackel set a regional record with a jump of 18-01. Caldwell qualified at regionals by clearing 17-05. The opening height at the national meet was 16-10 3/4.
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UNM head coach Matt Henry said he was disappointed that both Mackel and Caldwell were unable to clear the bar on Wednesday.
"We've had better days," Henry said. "For a pole vaulter, it's hard to open up at these big heights right away."
Henry said it is important for the athletes to get the momentum going early in pole vault. He said neither Mackel or Caldwell were able to get into a groove quickly enough.
"Pole vault is the most unpredictable event in the sport," Henry said. "I think both those guys could be All-Americans. It's unfortunate the way it ended today, and we're saddened by it."
Mackel's collegiate career is finished, but he is waiting for an at-large bid into the USA Track and Field Championships in July.
It was Mackel's second appearance at a national meet this year, as he and Caldwell both competed in the 2006 NCAA Indoor Championships earlier this year. Mackel failed to clear the opening height at that meet as well, but he had a strong all-around season. Including the indoor and outdoor seasons, Mackel finished in the top-three 10 times and won five meets. He became the second Lobo to ever win a regional meet, joining Matt Gonzales as the only other one to do it.
Henry said Mackel had a good career at UNM, and he expects his legacy to help continue building success in pole vault at the school.
"We're saddened that Derek won't be back, because he's done some great things for UNM," Henry said.
Caldwell, a junior, also had success during the 2006 season. At the indoor NCAA Championships, Caldwell was named All-American by placing eighth with a jump of 17-6 1/2.
Henry said he looks forward to Caldwell building on the season he had this year.
"We always hope that can happen," Henry said. "Today was a bad day, but it was a good experience for next year."
Mackel and Caldwell could not be reached for comment Wednesday.
