Grinnell, Iowa -- March 10, 2012 -- Kevin Coyle of Springfield College attempted to defend his national title Friday night in the long jump at the NCAA Division III Indoor Track & Field Championships, but was unable to do so. The senior finished eighth of 13 competitors and did repeat as an All-American with a leap of 23-feet, 3/4-inches. One day later, Coyle also placed eighth in the triple jump with a leap of 47-10 and again became an All-American.In the long jump, the native of Bradford, N.H. came through with his final jump of the night to claim the No. 8 spot. He previously had jumps of 6.95 meters, then 6.90, 6.97, 6.92, a FOUL, and he finished with a leap of 7.03 meters.
The 7.03 was one centimeter ahead of John Kersenbrock of Nebraska Wesleyan at 7.02 meters or 23-feet, 1/2-inch.
Placing first through seventh were Jonas Elusme of Wartburg (7.28 meters or 23-10 3/4), Dave Kuczynski of Wisconsin-Whitewater (7.26m), Isaac Vazquez of Wisconsin-La Crosse (7.23m), Chris Perry of UMass Dartmouth (7.15m), Gavan Bass of McMurry (7.13m), Cory Zaeske of Wisconsin-Whitewater (7.07m), and Mike Minjock of John Carroll (7.05m).
On Saturday in the triple jump, there were similarities in that he once again placed eighth, coming through with his best effort in his final jump. That was 14.58 meters, or 47-feet, 10-inches.
Kevin's efforts were 14.21 meters, 14.51m, 14.34m, 14.39m, a FOUL, and 14.58m.
Finishing first through seventh were Mike Sandle of Wisconsin-River Falls at 15.39 meters or 50-feet, 6-inches. Up next were Eyo Ekpo of St. Thomas (MN) (15.29m), Isaac Vazquez of Wisconsin-La Crosse (15.10m), Marcus Smith of Wisconsin-Whitewater (15.01m), Tommie Lark of Wesleyan (14.84m), Gbola Ajayi of Tufts (14.73m), and Sam Ludgood of Mount Union (14.64m).
As a result of both of Coyle's finishes, Springfield College scored two points finishing tied for 46th of 58 scoring teams.
Ken Klatka, just inducted into the Springfield College Athletic Hall of Fame in October, 2011, enters his 37th season as head coach of the men’s track and field program in 2012-2013. He ranks among the nation’s most successful coaches, with an overall record of 442 wins, 144 losses, and two ties for an impressive .753 winning percentage. Under his direction, Kevin Coyle '12 won the 2011 Division III Indoor Long Jump National Championship.
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