Good athletes and good sports

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EUGENE, Ore. -- It was a nice scene during the decathlon pole vault competition.

Tom Pappas, an Oregon native who attended Lane Community College here, was the only vaulter left at 17 feet, 4 1/2 inches. After he missed his first two attempts, the crowd intensified its already enthusiastic and rhythmic clapping -- and so did one of his rivals, Ashton Eaton, who had been jumping in the other flight.

That’s commendable sportsmanship from Eaton, a sophomore at the University of Oregon. He cleared a personal-best 16-8 3/4.

-- Helene Elliott