Ben Daniel wipes the sweat from his forehead; gazing at the 6'10" bar.
A slow clap from the crowd builds with momentum and reaches apeak as Daniel approaches the bar in a full sprint.
Both Ben and the bar come down simultaneously as the crowd letsout a sigh. Ben stands up with a smile on his face, though,realizing that despite his failed attempt he was closer than everbefore.
"It was the best jump I ever had," Daniel said.
Had Daniel made that jump at Friday night's home track meet, itwould have been a personal record and matched the NCAA outdoorregional qualifying mark.
Friday night's action was the team's first competition thisseason, an intrasquad meet between Ball State Red and White at theField Sports Building.
Head coach Jermaine Jones said the team's performance waspromising for the upcoming season.
"I'm really happy. A lot of guys competed very well in some oftheir normal events and a couple had their best marks ever," Jonessaid.
"That's the way you want to go into the indoor season."
Also participating was Paul Panning, who attempted the FieldSports Building's record of 17-4 3/4 in the pole vault, but wasunsuccessful in doing so.
"This is the first time I've vaulted since June," Panningsaid.
"I wasn't expecting too much and was just hoping to get a decentbar. We performed our hearts out."
The event drew a crowd from students looking to see the team inthe program's last home meet ever as it was decided by the athleticdepartment over the summer to cut the men's track and cross countryteams.
"It means a lot. A lot of people that come out truly care aboutthis team and this program. To me, that means more to me thananything," Jones said.
Some participants such as Daniel felt the crowd was a boost fortheir performances and gave them an opportunity to perform in frontof their family and friends.
"A lot of people I knew came out. Just them showing up feltpretty good; to actually have someone come out and support us,"Daniel said.
The team will return to action Jan. 17 for the PurdueInvitational.
Read More
Three Air Jam teams take home the win
October 12, 2012Nineteen teams shimmied, shook and flipped for a sold out John R. Emens Auditorium on Thursday night during the 25th annual Air Jam.
Bill Clinton Speaks at North Central High School
October 12, 2012Former President's Speech Could Have Effect on State Senate Race
