EUGENE, Ore. - Sean Clarke wasted no time making an impact on the University of Pennsylvania men's track and field program. The rookie concluded his freshman pole vault campaign on Wednesday night at the University of Oregon's historic Hayward Field, clearing the first two heights at the NCAA Championships before bowing out to finish 15th, earning second-team All-America status. 

The first height was automatic for Clarke, as he had to wait his turn slotted 21st in the lineup, but easily rose the occasion and cleared 5.15m. The second bar of 5.30m would prove more difficult for the Floridian, but Clarke ultimately prevailed on his third attempt, one of just 15 competitors to do so. 

The final height of 5.45m proved to be too much for the rookie, who had three solid attempts but was unable to rise above the bar. 

Clarke was one of just three freshmen in total to advance to the NCAA Championships and was the second-best rookie finisher, while also serving as the best performer from the Ivy League. Clarke is only the second All-American pole vaulter in Penn history and first since Van Zimmerman in 1953. He ends the year already at No. 2 in school record books outdoors and No. 8 indoors.