Vern McGrew

He used the western roll technique, which was common at the time, and in 1948 achieved a career best clearance of 2.04 meters (6 ft 8¼ in).

[2] Born in Big Spring, Texas, he went on to attend Lamar High School in Houston, graduating in 1946.

McGrew became the second Rice alumnus to take part in an Olympic event, after Claude Bracey in 1928.

While studying at Rice University he competed at the NCAA Championship, coming third in 1948 and finishing as runner-up in 1949.

[4] At the national-level AAU Championship meeting he was third in 1948 (where he gained Olympic selection), but managed only fifth place the year after.