South Dakota freshman pole vaulter Chris Nilsen captured a national title with a clearance of 18 feet, 8 1/4 inches, at the NCAA Indoor Championships.

Nilsen, a freshman from Kansas City, Mo., becomes South Dakota’s second NCAA Division I champion, joining alumna Bethany (Buell) Firsick who won the outdoor pole vault in 2013.

Nilsen captured the title when he cleared 18-4 ½ on his second attempt. He then went on to tie his personal best height, which he had previously made at the Tyson Invitational in February. After clearing 18-8 ¼, Nilsen took three attempts at 19-0 3/4, which would have broken the World Under-20 record. He currently holds the American Under-20 indoor record

. Nilsen won every meet he competed in during his freshman indoor season, including Summit League and NCAA titles.