The meet is one of the elite indoor events for Class A athletes in the state prior to the start of the outdoor season with entrants having to qualify with a jump ranking in the top 15 efforts entered.
The junior tied his season best with a 4.2m (13′ 9″) effort and has already improved his personal best by over one foot since the start of the indoor season four weeks ago.
Punke’s teammate Casron Eyrich also qualified for the meet and finished ninth clearing 12′ 9″ also tying his personal best.
Riley Hogan of Champaign – St. Thomas Moore, won the event clearing 14′ 9″ (4.5m).
Both vaulters will have one more indoor meet this year as the Panthers will participate in the annual Rosenberry Classic, this Tuesday in Sterling which will feature several Three Rivers Athletic Conference teams.
