Richmond, Va., June 17, 2001 - Penn State freshman and State College native Kevin Dare was victorious over the weekend at the United States Track and Field Junior Championships in Richmond, Va. Dare won the pole vault with a height of 16-4 3/4, making all of his heights on the first attempt to claim the junior national title.

Dare defeated Nate Campbell of the Indiana Track Club who also recorded a height of 16-4 3/4 but had more misses. Dylan Schmitt of the Andale Track Club was third with a height of 16-0 3/4.

With the win Dare, coached by Penn State volunteer assistant Tom Kleban, qualifies for the U.S. vs. Great Britain Meet in August and for the U.S. Developmental camp in San Diego later in the year. He also is placed on the list as a candidate to qualify for the Pan American Junior Championships in Argentina.

"It was a great accomplishment for Kevin to come down and win this event," Penn State head coach Harry Groves said, "It's a testament to all the hard work he and Tom (Kleban) have been putting in over the past month in extra practice time."

Also competing for Penn State in the Junior Championships was freshman Aaron Ross who finished eleventh in the discus with a mark of 151-5.