An introduction to the 5 KU track stars at Indoor Nationals in Boston

While the start of the outdoor track and field season is just a week away, five Jayhawks are currently in Boston competing for a national championship at the NCAA Indoor Championships to close out the winter season.

Three pole vaulters, a high jumper and a 400-meter runner will represent the Jayhawks at Indoor nationals, each riding the momentum of a strong indoor season and carrying some serious confidence with them.

Allow us to introduce you to the Jayhawks competing in Boston this weekend.

• Michael Joseph – A sprinter from Gros Islet, St. Lucia, Joseph will compete in the 400. He already has qualified for the 2024 Olympics for his home country and is eager to try to run down a national title this weekend.

• Devin Loudermilk – The junior high jumper from tiny Howard, Kansas has his sights set on another milestone during his memorable season. Earlier this winter, Loudermilk earned Big 12 Athlete of the Week honors after a PR and third-place finish in Arkansas.

• Ashton Barkdull – The last male pole vaulter to qualify for this event, the sophomore from Andover, Kansas, is taking a nothing-to-lose attitude to nationals with him.

• Mason Meinershagen – This freshman from St. Louis is joy personified. She’s thrilled to be a part of this team and her vaults have delivered accordingly. She recently took second at the Big 12 Indoor Championships in the women’s pole vault and is flying high entering her first trip to nationals.

• Clayton Simms – Like Meinershagen, Simms was a star at the recent Big 12 meet, finishing atop the men’s pole vault standings for his first career Big 12 title.