Running for Cornell University, he competed in the 120 yard high hurdles in which he held the school record.[1] He was also a pivotman on the basketball team, during their most successful 1950–1 season with a 20–5 record.[2]
He competed in the triple jump at the 1952 Olympics, finishing fourth. His second round jump of 15.39 m (50 ft 5+3⁄4 in) put him into the bronze medal position until SovietLeonid Shcherbakov leaped into silver medal position, pushing Ashbaugh off the podiumm.[3] Earlier that year, he was also the National Champion in the event, breaking Gay Bryan's 4-year streak.[4]