Fairfax, Va.- Walt Bannerman punches his ticket to travel to Eugene, Oregon to compete in the NCAA Championships after an immense performance in the pole vault. 48 competitors were lined up to fight for a spot among the first 12 to qualify for the NCAA Championships.
 
Walt Bannerman came in with high hopes of qualifying for the next round after many hours of practice at the Field House. The event was scheduled to begin at 3 pm but with two lightning delays, the event was pushed back to 4:30 pm. The first attempt was at 4.92m and Walt missed his first attempt, but he shacked off the nerves and completed the jump in his next turn. 5.07m was completed in one attempt and the challenge of 5.22m was next for Walt. His personal best was 5.20m, but he easily flew over 5.22m to record a new personal best and to keep pushing for a spot in the final 12. 
 
The next challenge was set at 5.32m, a huge step for Walt in his collegiate career. All eyes were on Walt preparing his run up and once he took off, everybody held their breath. Walt sprung up in the air and touched the bar, but the bar remained in place, Walt landed safely achieving a new personal record of 5.32m and moving up the George Mason All-Time list to third. The task was once again completed in one attempt and the dream was becoming clearer. At 5.42m, Walt was unable to surpass the bar but many other competitors failed at their attempts as well. The event became a waiting game. One by one the other athletes were falling out of the competition and since Walt completed his jumps with the fewest attempts, he secured the 10^th spot and a seat in the plane to Eugene, Oregon.
 
Arsalan Yaqubi placed 28^th in the hammer throw, concluding his outdoor track and field season. Bobby Kestyn and Geni Roberts will be competing on Friday and Kelsey Sebwe will come into action on Saturday, March 25^th.