By Emily Dunn

Pole vaulter Alex Wise ’07 has earned a reputation for success. The 2005 indoor MIAC pole vault champion earned the informal nick name ” The Franchise” for his ability to score in multiple events. Last year, he was the only Scot to go to Outdoor Nationals and placed 15th overall. This year however, Wise’s early season was hampered by an ankle injury and the junior star failed to clear the pole vault bar in all his attempts at the 2006 MIAC indoor championships.

“Indoor was kind of a pointless season, I didn’t compete much and we never really figured out what was wrong with my ankle,” Wise said.

With the outdoor season well underway, Wise has begun to show signs of a serious recovery. Last week, when Macalester men’s track and field headed to Gustavus for the Lee Krough Open, Wise gave the Scots a first place finish in the pole vault, clearing a height of 15-5. The vault was good enough to provisionally qualify Wise for nationals, but he is looking for much bigger things in the near future.

“My goal for the rest of the season is to jump 16-1, which is the MIAC record, I have been clearing 16 feet in practice, so it’s definitely possible,” said Wise. He currently holds the Macalester pole vaulting record with a height of 15-11.

Wise is also looking to regain his reputation as a franchise athlete by scoring in multiple field and running events. “I hope to clear a higher pole vaulting height so I can focus more on my running events for the rest of the season as well,” he said. “Our relays have a lot of potential, if we can get healthy.”

While Wise appears on the road to recovery the Scots have suffered other key injuries which have hampered the team. All-conference triple jumper, $50,000aire, and sprinter Tyler Shweke ’08 has been held out of outdoor competition with an injury, as has veteran jumper Tim Burns ’06, both key contributors to sprint relays.

Injuries have put a damper on Mac’s early season but the news hasn’t been all bad for the Scots. Joining Wise with an impressive performance at Gustavus was Evan Mitchell ’08, who won the javelin, reaching the 161-7 mark (49.5 meters). The Scots also had impressive finishes in middle distance events. Conrad Litchy ’09 placed third in the 800 meter run with a time of 2:02:15 and Tyson Morgan ’09 placed fourth in 2:02:31. The 1500 meter also had successful finishes by Josh Springer ’08 who placed seventh in a time of 4:13:96 followed by Dylan Keith ’07 who ran a 4:14:96.

The Scots also had notable finishes in the 110 meter high hurdles as Carson Gorecki ’09 placed fourth (16.51) and Tammie Khumalo finished eighth in the 100 meter dash (11.58).

As the weather continues to warm, the men will continue to run, jump and throw as they prepare for the Carleton Relays and the MIAC Conference Meet in early May at St. Thomas.