SIOUX FALLS, S.D.—South Dakota junior pole vaulter Chris Nilsen has been named the Summit League Track and Field Athlete of the Week for the period ended March 31. This marks Nilsen's first honor of the outdoor season and 19th in his career.
 
Nilsen brought home his second-straight Clyde Littlefield Texas Relays title on Saturday. He vaulted 19 feet, ¼ inch, to break the 19-foot barrier for the first time in 2019. The height vaulted Nilsen to the top of the NCAA standings and second on world leaderboards.
 
A native of Kansas City, Missouri, Nilsen vaulted past 19 feet for the seventh time of his career.
 
The Coyotes host the South Dakota Challenge at Lillibridge Track Complex on Saturday. The meet kicks off with field events at 10:30 a.m. while running events are scheduled to begin at 1 p.m.