Irwin Defends Capital Square Vault Title Behind Event Record

DES MOINES, Iowa – Andrew Irwin defended his men’s title at the fourth-annual Capital Square Vault presented by Catch Des Moines and the Des Moines Register in downtown Des Moines Wednesday evening, April 24. Emily Grove, a four-time All-American and Summit League champion at South Dakota, claimed the women’s title in her first appearance at the event.

Irwin, the 2019 USA Indoor national champion, set a new Cap Square Vault record as he cleared 19-1.5 (5.83) on his first attempt. Irwin, who joined the competition at 18-0.5 (5.50), didn’t miss until an attempt until 18-8.75 (5.71). Later after his record jump, he attempted 19-4.25 (5.90) but missed on all three of his attempts.

Grove defeated first-time participant Annie (Rhodes) Jonnigan by having more clean attempts by clearing 14-9.25 (4.50) on her first attempt. The pair each failed to clear 15-1.5 (4.61) on three attempts.

That one-of-a-kind event also featured, Devin King, Austin Miller, Cole Walsh and Garrett Starkey in the men's field. The women's Capital Square Vault event included Kortney Ross and Kristen Leland who were sixth and seventh at last year's Drake Relays. Megan Clark also made her Capital Square Vault debut.

Final Results

Men

1. Andrew Irwin, Arkansas Vault Club, 19-1.5 (5.83)
2. Devin King, unattached, 18-5.25 (5.62)
3. Cole Walsh, unattached, 18-5.25 (5.62)
4. Austin Miller, unattached, 17-6.5 (5.35)
5. Garrett Starkey, unattached, NH

Women

1. Emily Grove, unattached, 14-11.5 (4.56)
2. Annie (Rhodes) Jonnigan, unattached, 14-11.5 (4.56)
3. Kortney Ross, unattached, 14-9.25 (4.50)
4. Megan Clark, New York Athletic Club, 14.1-25 (4.30)
5. Kristen (Hixson) LeLand, unattached, NH