Husky signee JJ Juilfs wins national junior title in pole vault...

EUGENE--University of Washington signee JJ Juilfs (left/photo by Paul Merca) won the national junior pole vault title at the USA Outdoor Track & Field Junior championships at Hayward Field on the University of Oregon campus, with a personal best jump of 17-2.75 (5.25.m).

First attempt misses were a constant for the high schooler from Eugene, Oregon, who spurned the Ducks to attend the UW this fall.

With the exception of his opening height of 15-9, all of his clearances up to 17-2 3/4 were made on his second attempt. His winning clearance was scaled on his third attempt.

Afterwards, Juilfs, who had been fighting a back problem for most of the season, felt that he was ready to do something big at the junior championship.

"I went into the meet as an underdog, and I relish that role of playing spoiler. I just trusted myself that I could hang with these guys."

Another Washington signee, Derrick Daigre finished second in the men's 800 meter run, clocking 1:50.05.

Daigre stayed in contention for most of the race, though he was challenged and passed momentarily with 150 to go, but composed himself on the final straightaway, and got second place, and a spot on Team USA that will compete in next month's Pan Am Junior championships in Miramar, Florida.

Here is a video interview with both Juilfs and Daigre in the mixed zone after their competition:



Eastern Washington frosh Emma Murillo was fourth in the javelin with a toss of 150-8 (45.92m).

Husky freshman Kasen Covington finished fifth in the triple jump with a mark of 49-11.25 (15.22m), while Kennedy Catholic's Darian Brooks of the Seatown Express was 21st at 46-5.5 (14.16m).

Washington freshman Kayla Steuckle finished sixth in the 400 hurdles with a time of 63.06.

Oak Harbor HS senior Adrianna Royal, who will attend Cal State Sacramento this fall, was seventh in the steeplechase with a time of 12:37.86.

Complete results from Saturday's USA junior championships are available here.