University of Tennessee Athletics
Blake Sifferlin Claims SEC Indoor Pole Vault Crown
February 27, 2025 | Track & Field
BRYAN-COLLEGE STATION, Texas – Blake Sifferlin climbed atop the podium donning a gold medal Thursday night after winning the men's pole vault, capping Day 1 of the 2025 SEC Indoor Track & Field Championships inside the R.A. 'Murray' Fasken Indoor Track & Field Facility.
The junior from Akron, Ohio, had the best series of his career en route to the conference title, clearing his first attempt at four consecutive heights that culminated with a lifetime-best mark of 5.50m (18-0.5) – his first clearance above 18 feet.
Sifferlin won Tennessee's 19th SEC indoor pole vault title in school history and the first for the Vols since Joe Berry won gold at the indoor conference meet in 2011. In total, UT boasts 38 total SEC pole vault titles with 19 indoor championships and 19 outdoor championships in the event all-time.
One of two Vols to earn a podium finish on Thursday, Sifferlin was joined by his teammate Evan Puckett who earned a share of bronze in the pole vault with a leap of 5.35m (17-6.5) in his SEC Championship debut. The Vols totaled 18 points from the event – 10 from Sifferlin's first-place finish, 5.5 from Puckett's tie for third place and 2.5 from Cade Gray's tie for fifth place (5.20m/17-0.75).
Tennessee added three points to their tally in the men's distance medley relay after posting a sixth-place finish at the conference meet. Gavin Genisio, Rickey Williams III, Carter Knox and Canaan Anderson combined for a time of 9:37.71 – earning a Heat 1 victory and the No. 7 DMR time in Vols history.
Through Day 1 of the SEC Indoor Championships, the Vols currently rank second in the men's team standings with 21 points.
Additionally, UT saw a pair of sprinters advance to Saturday's SEC 200-meter final after qualifying on time out of the prelims. T'Mars McCallum (20.72) and Javonte' Harding (20.77) each ran season-bests to place seventh and eighth, respectively, in Thursday's preliminary heats.
The Big Orange returns to action Friday with a full slate of competition, beginning at noon ET with the men's weight throw and concluding at approximately 8:02 p.m. with the women's 60-meter hurdles prelims.
The junior from Akron, Ohio, had the best series of his career en route to the conference title, clearing his first attempt at four consecutive heights that culminated with a lifetime-best mark of 5.50m (18-0.5) – his first clearance above 18 feet.
Sifferlin won Tennessee's 19th SEC indoor pole vault title in school history and the first for the Vols since Joe Berry won gold at the indoor conference meet in 2011. In total, UT boasts 38 total SEC pole vault titles with 19 indoor championships and 19 outdoor championships in the event all-time.
One of two Vols to earn a podium finish on Thursday, Sifferlin was joined by his teammate Evan Puckett who earned a share of bronze in the pole vault with a leap of 5.35m (17-6.5) in his SEC Championship debut. The Vols totaled 18 points from the event – 10 from Sifferlin's first-place finish, 5.5 from Puckett's tie for third place and 2.5 from Cade Gray's tie for fifth place (5.20m/17-0.75).
Tennessee added three points to their tally in the men's distance medley relay after posting a sixth-place finish at the conference meet. Gavin Genisio, Rickey Williams III, Carter Knox and Canaan Anderson combined for a time of 9:37.71 – earning a Heat 1 victory and the No. 7 DMR time in Vols history.
Through Day 1 of the SEC Indoor Championships, the Vols currently rank second in the men's team standings with 21 points.
Additionally, UT saw a pair of sprinters advance to Saturday's SEC 200-meter final after qualifying on time out of the prelims. T'Mars McCallum (20.72) and Javonte' Harding (20.77) each ran season-bests to place seventh and eighth, respectively, in Thursday's preliminary heats.
The Big Orange returns to action Friday with a full slate of competition, beginning at noon ET with the men's weight throw and concluding at approximately 8:02 p.m. with the women's 60-meter hurdles prelims.
Players Mentioned
Distance
/ Track & Field
Distance
/ Track & Field
Pole Vault/Jumps
/ Track & Field
Sprints
/ Track & Field
Mid-Distance
/ Track & Field
Sprints/Jumps
/ Track & Field
Pole Vault
/ Track & Field
Pole Vault
/ Track & Field
Sprints
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