Penn State sophomore Luke Knipe set the Nittany Lions’ program record for men’s indoor pole vault during last weekend’s Big Ten Indoor Track & Field Championships.

With a PR of 5.30 meters (17’4.5”), Knipe placed second in the indoor meet at SPIRE Institute in Geneva, Ohio.

Men's Pole Vault |

That's a program record on pole vault for Luke Knipe! He sets the new Penn State record with a 5.30m #WeAre pic.twitter.com/Ld8CU8fNhB

— Penn State Track & Field/Cross Country (@PennStateTFXC) February 27, 2021

“I was obviously really excited. All my coaches were over there and everyone was screaming,” Knipe said. “It honestly feels like a blur. It was super exciting getting over that bar.”

Penn State’s indoor season was cut down to three meets with just two other teams. The Big Ten Championships was the first time Penn State’s program competed against athletes from the Big Ten this season.

“I feel like it’s been a long time coming with this PR,” Knipe said. “I’ve been practicing really well over the past two weeks, and being on the big stage where a lot of vaulters jump high, you are kind of pushed to perform your best.”

Knipe set four personal records at the conference but plans to continue to push himself this spring.

“I try not to focus on a specific height. I try to just do my best and continue to improve, but I guess a big goal of mine would be to make the outdoors NCAA Championships,” Knipe said.

The outdoor track and field season will commence at the end of March. The meet dates have yet to be released, but there’s potential for a more full outdoor season.