Former Husky Walker wins first indoor title

Former University of Washington All-American Brad Walker captured his first USA indoor title Sunday, clearing 18 feet, 6 1/2 inches to win the pole vault at the 2005 USA Indoor Track and Field Championships in Boston’s Reggie Lewis Center.

With the win, Walker became the second former Husky to win a national title in the past seven months, joining 2004 U.S. discus champion Aretha Hill, a 1998 UW grad.

Walker, a Spokane native (University High School) and 2004 Washington graduate, needed just one attempt at the winning height, claiming the victory when Oregon sophomore Tommy Skipper – the only other vaulter remaining in the competition –missed on all three of his attempts at 18-6 1/2 . With the U.S. title in hand, Walker moved the bar to 19-0 1/4 , but missed his three attempts.

Walker’s win was his first in USA championships competition. The Pac-10 record holder and two-time NCAA indoor champion placed fourth at last year’s USA Indoor Championships and was the sixth-place finisher at the 2004 U.S. Olympic Trials.

“I gained more control during the competition, after having a shaky warm-up,” Walker said. “Other than that, I felt pretty good with my overall performance, and happy to win my first (U.S.) championship. I came in and did what I wanted to do.”

Golf

The Fairways, which has been open since Jan. 24, will begin taking tee times beginning at 8 a.m. today, said John Durgan, the director of golf at the West Plains course.

Tee times will be taken for today through Sunday this week, and Monday through Sunday in ensuring weeks, Durgan said, noting the course had been sending out golfers on a first-come, first-served basis.