The University of Mississippi Athletics
John Kendricks Wins SEC Bronze in Powerful Men’s Pole Vault Final
5/16/2025 | Track and Field
LEXINGTON, Ky. – Ole Miss track & field sophomore and Oxford native John Kendricks claimed his first career conference medal and etched his name as one of the best pole vaulters in school history in what turned out to be a stacked men's pole vault final Friday afternoon at Day Two of the 2025 SEC Outdoor Championships.
Kendricks, who transferred back home to Ole Miss last summer after spending his freshman campaign at Arkansas, led a strong outing from the Rebel men overall, finishing third for the bronze medal at a career-best clearance of 5.50m/18-00.50.
That height makes Kendricks one of only two 18-footers in Ole Miss history – the other, of course, being his older brother, three-time Olympian Sam Kendricks at his school-record height of 5.81m/19-00.75 from 2013.
"I've really, really wanted to be second behind Sam. That's a special moment, to be one and two in the record books," Kendricks said. "I'm gonna call him right after this to let him know."
The SEC final in the men's pole vault ended up with national degrees of difficulty, finishing with an incredible five athletes at 18 feet, nine to clear at least 17-8, and 11 total career-bests – including three by the Rebels: Kendricks, senior Drew O'Connor (8th, 5.40m/17-08.50) and junior Logan Kelley (11th, 5.30m/17-04.50).
For more info and for details on how to follow along with the action at the 2025 SEC Outdoor Championships, check out our meet preview HERE.
Kendricks, who transferred back home to Ole Miss last summer after spending his freshman campaign at Arkansas, led a strong outing from the Rebel men overall, finishing third for the bronze medal at a career-best clearance of 5.50m/18-00.50.
That height makes Kendricks one of only two 18-footers in Ole Miss history – the other, of course, being his older brother, three-time Olympian Sam Kendricks at his school-record height of 5.81m/19-00.75 from 2013.
"I've really, really wanted to be second behind Sam. That's a special moment, to be one and two in the record books," Kendricks said. "I'm gonna call him right after this to let him know."
The SEC final in the men's pole vault ended up with national degrees of difficulty, finishing with an incredible five athletes at 18 feet, nine to clear at least 17-8, and 11 total career-bests – including three by the Rebels: Kendricks, senior Drew O'Connor (8th, 5.40m/17-08.50) and junior Logan Kelley (11th, 5.30m/17-04.50).
For more info and for details on how to follow along with the action at the 2025 SEC Outdoor Championships, check out our meet preview HERE.
Players Mentioned
Pole Vault
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Pole Vault
/ Track and Field
Pole Vault
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