WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. – University of Southern Maine sophomore pole vaulter Ben Drummey (Biddeford, Maine/Biddeford) cleared 5.05m on his first attempt to win the pole vault competition at the 2022 NCAA Division III Indoor Track and Field National Championships in Winston-Salem on Friday. Win the win, Drummey becomes just the second member of the men's indoor track and field team to win an individual NCAA title in program history. 

When and Where: Friday, March 11, 2022 – Winston-Salem, N.C. – JDL Fast Track

Recap: Passing on the first four heights of the day, Drummey cleared 4.85m on his second attempt to secure a top-ten finish. Continuing to move up, Drummey cleared 5.00m on his second attempt to move into the top four. With just four competitors remaining, Drummey stepped up and cleared 5.05m on his first attempt. 

Joe O'Connor (Henrico, Va.) from Washington and Lee cleared 5.00m on his third attempt and 5.05m on his first attempt to advance as well. Abraham Schroedl (De Forest, Wisc.) cleared 5.00m on his first attempt and passed at the 5.05m height. At 5.10m, Drummey, O'Connor, and Schroedl, all missed, making Drummey the National Champion based on his performances at 5.00m and 5.05m.

Drummey is only the second member of the men's indoor track and field program to win an individual national title, joining two-time indoor national champion Jamie Ruginski who won two titles in the triple jump. He is also the second Southern Maine pole vaulter to win indoor All-American Honors. Will Snyder was the first to do so in 2004.

This All-American honor is the second of Drummey's career, as he placed third in the pole vault at the NCAA Outdoor Championships in 2021 as a freshman. The NCAA meet concludes a record-setting season for Drummey, who cleared 5.12m at the Maine State Championships to set a new program best.