Oklahoma Baptist University high jumper Fletcher Carlyle qualified for the U.S. Track and Field Championships with his winning leap at the Oklahoma Christian Indoor Meet Saturday.



Carlyle, a junior from American Canyon, Calif., cleared 7 feet, 2.5 inches and qualified for the U.S. Championships in the high jump. OBU Coach Ford Mastin estimated that his height is a top 5 U.S. mark and a top 10 World mark this season. He added that the professionally-trained high jumpers have just started the season this past weekend.

"We take track and field seriously here and we compete at a high level," Mastin said. "Putting people in position to compete at the U.S. Championships and the Olympic Trials is always a goal."

Sprinter Mike Rodgers is an OBU graduate on the world track stage.

Carlyle set the school record with his leap and, in addition to making the cut for the U.S. Championships in Albuquerque Feb. 27-28, qualified for the NAIA National Meet.

Last year at Sacramento City College, Carlyle cleared 7-1 and was ranked 30th in the USA.