LA CROSSE, Wis. – The No. 12 Washington University in St. Louis men's track and field team wrapped up the 2026 outdoor season at the NCAA Championships as four members competed in the pole vault event. WashU finished with 15 points, in a tie for 14
th place.
Host Wis.-La Crosse took home the team title with 106 points with Rowan finishing as runner-up with 85 points. Wis-Oshkosh (55 points), SUNY Geneseo (39 points), and Wis.-Eau Claire (34 points) rounded out the top five.
Junior
Peter Lichtenberger had top honors as the Somerville, Mass. native claimed the pole vault national title with a clear of 5.25m, setting a new personal and program record.
He went head-to-head with Mitchell Davis of Ursinus in the final three heights. Lichtenberger cleared his first attempt on 5.20m while Davis did so on his second attempt. When Lichtenberger cleared 5.25m on his first attempt, it took Davis two attempts before clearing.
When both missed to clear on 5.30m, Lichtenberger claimed the national championship as he cleared the previous height on his first attempt.
The win added 10 points to the team total for the Bears.
Sophomore
Zachary Duckworth also added three team points for WashU with his sixth-place finish. He cleared in a personal best 5.10m.
Right behind him was senior
Hayden Kunkel who finished in seventh place. He cleared 5.00m and secured two team points for WashU.
Senior
George Bourdier finished in a tie for 10
th place with a clear of 4.90m.
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Elevating scholar-champions requires resources beyond the institutional budget. Through the W Club, generous alumni, parents, and friends provide unrestricted support that is essential to the extraordinary WashU student-athlete experience—and the ongoing growth and development of the department. Annual support for Athletics allows the Bears to consistently rise to national levels of competition and ensures that our student-athletes enjoy exceptional opportunities as they train, compete, and lead. To make a gift to the Annual Fund for Athletics, please visit our secure online giving form or contact the Athletics Advancement Office at athletics@wustl.edu.
