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2024-25 Men's Track and Field Roster

Justin Prax
Justin Prax

Ekhardt Van Der Watt

  • Position:
    Pole Vault
  • Class:
    Senior
  • Hometown:
    Vredenburg, Western Cape, South Africa
  • Highschool:
    Hoër Jongenskool Paarl

Summary

Biography

Pole Vault
Indoor 5.15m  (16' 10.75")
Outdoor 5.25m  (17' 2.25")

 

Idaho State Outdoor (2025): In his final outdoor season, Ekhardt Van Der Watt continued to be a key contributor in the pole vault for the Bengals. He achieved a season-best clearance of 4.95 meters (16'2.75") at the Utah Spring Classic on April 12, 2025, securing a second-place finish. Throughout the season, he also competed at events such as the UNLV Rebel Elite, Pacific Coast Intercollegiate, and Beach Invitational, with notable performances including a 4.89m (16'0.5") clearance at the UNLV Rebel Elite. Van Der Watt concluded his collegiate career with a personal best of 5.25m (17'2.75"), achieved during his time at the University of Minnesota. 

Idaho State Indoor (2024–25): During the indoor season, Van Der Watt showcased consistent performances in the pole vault. He secured a first-place finish at the Mountain States Games on February 14, 2025, with a clearance of 4.95m (16'2.75"). Additionally, he achieved a second-place finish at the Inland Northwest Invitational on February 1, 2025, clearing 4.81m (15'9.25"). At the Big Sky Conference Indoor Track and Field Championships, he placed eighth with a vault of 4.74m (15'6.5").

Idaho State Outdoor (2023): Competed in pole vault in all meets… had action at the Pacific Coast Invitational and Beach Invitational… placed 3rd at the BYU Robison Invitational (04/22/23)... placed 1st in pole vault (5.14m/16’ 10.25”) at the Big Sky Conference Outdoor Track Meeting (05/13/23)... ended the year competing in the NCAA West Preliminary Round for pole vault (05/27/23)... No. 9 on the Idaho State Top-Ten Performance List for Pole Vault (5.14m/16’ 10.25”). 

Idaho State Indoor (2022-23): Competed in pole vault at six meets in his first season as a Bengal… finished the year with three top-five finishes… placed 2nd at the Bobcat Challenge (01/21/23)... finished 1st in pole vault (4.90m/16’ 0.75” ) at the WSU Open (02/10/23)... ended the season competing at the Big Sky Indoor Track & Field Championships (02/25/23).

University of Minnesota Outdoor (2021): Competed in pole vault at five meets… cleared (5.25m/17’ 02.75”) to tie for 28th at the NCAA West Prelim and move into a tie for 7th among all-time Gophers… placed 6th in pole vault (5.22m/17’ 01.50”) at the Big Ten Championships… won pole vault at the Wisconsin B1G Invitational… ended the season tied for 7th in pole vault (5.25m/17’ 02.75”) among all-time Gophers.

University of Minnesota Indoor (2021): Competed in pole vault at five meets… made B1G debut, placed 4th in pole vault (5.15m/16’10.75”) at the Big Ten Indoor Championships… won pole vault at the Larry Wieczorek Invitational… finished as pole vault runner-up at the Husker Triangular.

University of Minnesota Outdoor (2020): The 2020 outdoor track & field season was canceled on March 12, 2020, when the Big Ten and NCAA announced they were ceasing competitions and championships because of COVID-19 public health concerns.

University of Minnesota Indoor (2020): Competed in the pole vault during the 2020 indoor season… recorded three top-ten finishes, including clearing a season-best (4.86m/15’ 11.25”) to finish 10th at the Iowa State Classic… came in 4th at the Jack Johnson Classic and 5th at the Minnesota Cold Classic… indoor season ended when the Big Ten and NCAA announced they were ceasing competitions and championships because of COVID-19 public health concerns (03/12/20).

University of Missouri-Kansas City (2019): Competed in pole vault at two meets during the indoor season… finished 2nd for the Roos in pole vault (4.94m/16’ 02.50”) at the 2019 WAC Indoor Track & Field Championships… won pole vault at the Northwest Open in Maryville, Missouri… competed in pole vault at two meets during the outdoor season… finished as pole vault runner-up at the Wichita State Herm Wilson Invitational.

Personal: Ekhardt is the son of Madeline and Lukas Van Der Watt and he has two siblings Lukas Jr. and Elisma. His journey started at the University of Missouri-Kansas City and then transferred to the University of Minnesota. The University of Minnesota cut their Men’s Track and Field program so Ekhardt found his home here at Idaho State. His experience has not been easy, but after a lot of hard work and dedication he has two bachelors, two certificates and is now working on his finance degree. He is extremely grateful for not only his ability to play this sport, but for his coaches to give him the opportunity to get his education and explore new places in America. 

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Historical Player Information

  • 2021-22Freshman

    Pole Vault

  • 2023-24Graduate Student

    Pole Vault

  • 2024-25Senior

    Pole Vault

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