Chris Gardner Improves National Standing in High Jump, Wins Long Jump at Paul Kaiser Invitational



Chris Gardner starred in the high jump and long jump at the Paul Kaiser Invitational

April 26, 2008

Complete Results

Chris Gardner moved into the top 10 in the nation in the high jump while also winning the long jump, Troy Litten took first in the pole vault and Sean Strauman captured the 400 to lead the IUP track and field team at the Paul Kaiser Invitational at Shippensburg.

Gardner cleared the bar at six feet, 10 inches in the high jump to finish second and improve his national standing in the event. His winning leap in the long jump was measured at 23-2 ¼.

Litten had a top mark of 16-3 in the pole vault and Alec Rice was second at 14-6. Strauman, who has qualified nationally in the 800, competed in the 400 Saturday and won it with a time of 48.90.

Matt Celestin finished in the top five in two events, taking second in the triple jump (44-4 ¾) and fifth in the long jump (22-2). Celestin also teamed with Gardner, Litten and Chris Stewart to finish third in the 4 x 100 relay with a time of 43.26.

Eric Bowers was sixth in both the discus (139-10) and hammer (137-0), Rob Conrad was eighth in the javelin (173-3) and Steve Wainwright was eighth in the 800 (1:58.54).

On the women's side, Bridget Connolly had the top finish by placing fourth in the 5000 with a time of 19:05.04. Liz Tepsic was seventh in the triple jump with a mark of 35-2.

Qualifying IUP athletes will compete next in the PSAC championships at Miller Stadium May 1-3.