Class 3A Region 4 Pole Vault Results

It was great meeting everyone yesterday at the 3A-4 regional track and field championships that was held at Merritt Island High School.  Both vaulting competitions were nail biters. I truly enjoyed meeting all the vaulters and parents that attended the meet.  It is great to be associated with an event that is so strongly supported by parents.

The girls  competition was dominated by Mallory Johnson of South Fork with personal best of 10′6″.  Keep this name in mind for years to come, she just picked up the sport and can bring it on the runway.  She has been working with one of my good friends, Harry Hackett, down in Boca Raton.  Great job Mallory and Harry.  Second place went to Brooke Sorbier from Barron Collier, who vaulted 9′6″ on a bum ankle, very gutsy.  Brooke is only a fresman and is a former gymnast.   Brooke is coached by Mike Calyore, who is a good friend and camp loyalist.  Third place went to Sarah Haughtaling at 9′ from St. Thomas Aquinas, one of my former proteges who is being coached by David Shepherd.  Fouth place went to Brittany Youney at 9′ from Merritt Island, and Brittany is coached by yours truly.

The boys competition was as anticipated, all bunched up and then there were 4.  There were 10 boys left in the competition with the bar at 12′.  Mike Vani from Merritt Island overcame a series of migraine headaches to capture the regional crown with a vault of 14′7″.  Mike used his short approach, 5 lefts, to obtain a spot in the top 4, then jumped until the migraine eventually overwhelmed him.  Second place went to David Shepherd of St. Thomas Aquinas, yes Coach Shepherd’s son, with a vault of 13′6″.  This was especially impressive being that David was in a cast for most of the season after having broke his thumb, doing something heroic I imagine.  Third place went to the freshman Codi Cooper, who has a tremendous amount of potential as a youngster and is coached by Jessica Stern, a former UF vaulter.  The final qualifying spot went to Hunter Moon of St. Thomas Aquinas with a vault of 12′6″.  Don’t let the height fool you, Hunter made opening bar plus one at Florida Relays, he’ll be in the mix come next week.

For those athletes that did not qualify, use that feeling to drive you for the next 9 months.  Don’t think of it as the end of this year, think of it as the beginning of next year.

2A Regional Pole Vault Results and State Qualifiers

Region 2A-1

• Paige Shirley Espiscopal 10′6″
• Emily Smithwick Episcopal 9′6″
• Meredith Chavers Gulf Breeze 9′
• Julia Rogers Episcopal 9′

• Allen Starke Godby 13′6″
• Aaron Plotz Bishop Kenny 13′
• Garrett Scantling Espiscopal 12′6″
• Chris Dayao Bishop Snyder 12′3″ - Officially should be 12′ feet.  Only jumpoffs for first place receive the jumpoff height.

Region 2A-2

• Brianna Arellano Bishop Moore 10′6″
• Jessica Jetmore Bishop Moore 9′6″
• Caleigh Boyington Citrus 9′6″
• Fessica Frometa Crystal River 9′6″

• Kyle Spivey Crystal River 13′
• Ryan L’Heureux Crystal River 13′
• Stephen Bush Tavares 11′6″
• Ben Rashley Citrus 11′6″

Region 2A-3

• Julia Liccini Bishop Verot 9′
• Mari Ostrenko Tampa Catholic 8′6″
• Anna-Kay Taylor Golden Gate 8′
• Alyssa Bundy Titusville Astronaut 8′

• Jordan Romecki Cardinal Mooney 13′6″
• Ryan Gilroy West Shore 12′6″
• Pat Beane Tampa Jesuit 12′6″
• Cole Delano Titusville Astronaut 12′

Region 2A-4

• Caitliin Schuessler Pine Crest 11′10″
• Brittney Wagoner Key West 10′6″
• Alessandra Cassidy Archbishop McCarthy 10′6″
• Jessica Cornelia Archbishop McCarthy 10′

• Anthony Amodio Archbishop McCarthy 14′7″
• Kyle Mailoux Archbishop McCarthy 13′6″
• Travis Stokes Key West 13′
• Lee Milam Archbishop McCarthy 12′6″

1A Regional Pole Vault Results and State Qualifiers

Region 1A-1

• Ashleigh Lewis Port St. Joe 10′
• Megan Walker Port St. Joe
• Lillian VanWinkle Maclay
• Colson Barnes Maclay 8′6″

• Parker Harris 12′
• Kurt Scanameo Maclay 12′
• Kyle Weaver maclay 11′6″
• Ian Towne South Walton 11′6″

Region 1A-2

• Samantha Beckham Cedar Key 10′
• Kylee Skidmore P.K. Younge 9′
• Lauren Koos Mount Dora Bible 9′
• Lauren Fair First Academy 8′

• Josh Bruns Mount Dora Bible 12′
• Corey Smith Holy Trinity 11′6″
• Devon Carter-Freeman Mount Dora Bible 11′
• Kim Minchul Trinity Prep 10′6″

Region 1A-3

• Kelly Robinson Community School of Naples 10′
• Erin Rectanus Community School of Naples 9′6″
• Casey Evans Shorecrest Prep 8′6″
• Manuela Burtscher Seacrest 8′6″

• Donavan Erbe Admiral Farragut 13′6″
• Grant Rideout Northside Christian 13′
• Zach Wittenberg St. John’s Neumann 12′
• Conor Timmins Community School of Naples 11′6″

Region 1A-4

• Christina Irizarry Dade Christian 9′6″
• Ali Battista Mestminster Academy 9′
• Kamila Silva South Florida Heat 9′
• Jamie Fisher Benjamin School 9′

• Michael Edwards Benjamin School 13′
• Thomas Maguire South Florida Heat 12′6″
• Logan Vanhoutteghem Coral Springs Christian 12′
• Anthony Harel-Canada Westminster Academy 11′

4A District Results and Regional Qualifiers

District 4A-1

• Gracie Clapp Bartram Trail 9′6″
• Audrey Gabbert Flagler Palm Coast 9′6″
• Jodie Rosenberg Mandarin 8′
• Jessica Rorer Mandarin 8′

• Kenlee Critcher Flagler Palm Coast 13′6″
• Mikko David Mandarin 13′
• Cory Soard Flagler Palm Coast 12′6″
• Brad Frost Bartram Trail 11′

District 4A-2

• Hillary Albertson Spruce Creek 8′6″
• Alexandra Lutka Lake Brantley 8′
• Morgan Lee Lyman 8′
• Tanya Rivas Deltona 8′

• Grant Woodruff Lake Mary 13′7″
• Kyle Gaines Spruce Creek 12′6″
• Ashton Boston Hagerty 12′
• Andrew Coats Spruce Creek 12′

District 4A-3

• Emily Cook East Ridge 9′6″
• Stephanie Cook East Ridge 8′6″
• Kelsey Arellano East Ridge 8′6″
• Emily Serra Dr. Phillips  7′6″

• Kendall Schafers Olympia 13′
• Jared Watkins Dr. Phillips 10′6″
• Jesse Ramimora Olympia 10′
• Keith Garcia East Ridge 10′

District 4A-4

• Erica Weiss Boone 10′
• Eva Hinkeldey Winter Park 8′
• Anna Hinkeldey Winter Park 7′6″
• Kailee Kovacs Boone 7′6″

• John Kennedy Boone 14′
• Wyatt Metzger Timber Creek 12′
• Max Demianovich Timber Creek 11′6″
• Jean Acosta Gateway 11′

District 4A-5

• Nicole Smith Sickles 9′6″
• Emily Hall Countryside 9′
• Addison MacLean Alonso 8′6″
• April Martin Pinellas Park

• James Carl Sickles 13′6″
• Paul Polgar Countryside 13′
• Anthony Lombardo Countryside 13′
• Taylor Britton Mitchell 12′6″

District 4A-6

• Morgan Scherschel Gaither 11′
• Morgan Williams East Bay 8′6″
• Bryn Huhta Gaither 8′6″
• Nikki Perrini 8′6″

• Brian Long Gaither 12′
• Nathaniel Wilson Riverview 11′6″
• Brandon Dewitt Lakeland 11′
• Chris Griffith Durant 10′6″

District 4A-7

• Kelsey Karlstrand Riverview 10′
• Heather Williams Venice 9′
• Lnde Hope Sarasota 9′
• Nicole Swanson 8′6″

• Daniel Medrano Venice 13′6″
• Alexander Brunette Sarasota 13′
• Roger Bencomo Riverview 12′6″
• Aaron Callahan North Port 11′6″

District 4A-8

• Clynessha Cobb Vero Beach 6′
• Jennifer Hennecky Palm Bay 5′6″
• Elantra Lind Vero Beach 5′6″

• Eric Weeks Palm Bay 11′6″
• Donald Picerno Palm Bay 11′
• George Bryan Vero Beach 11′
• Jordan Burney Vero Beach 9′6″

District 4A-9

• Brittany Spring Jupiter 8′
• Laurie morden Wellington 7′6″
• Jacqueline Modist Wellington 7′
• Jenna Baxter Wellington 6′6″

• Edward Adams Wellington 11′6″
• Chadwick Lutz Wellington 11′6″
• Leo Pena Seminole Ridge 11′6″
• Matt Burroughs John I Leonard 11′

District 4A-10

• Antonia Zecevic Douglas 9′
• Molly Ferch Coral Springs 8′6″
• Catrina Mancini Douglas 7′6″
• Jenna Boersma Coral Springs 7′

• Sean Zuppke Park Vista 14′
• Akeem Barthol coral Springs 12′
• Somon Nader Spanish River 12′
• David McDougal Park Vista 11′6″

District 4A-11

• Julie Ohanian Taravella 7′6″
• Lena Kelbie Western 6′6″

• Drew Marcello Taravella 12′
• Eli Bacher 11′
• Eric Bender South Plantation 11′
• Kyle Kiple Plantation 11′

District 4A-12

• Tasnim Bain Everglades 7′6″
• lauren Goode Cypress Bay 7′
• Gabrielle Jones Everglades 6′6″
• Adriane Sanches Cypress Bay 6′

• Curtis James Cypress Bay 12′6″
• Lance Harstad Cypress Bay 12′
• Jarrod Jones Flanagan 11′6″
• Gabe Betancourt Cypress Bay 11′6″

District 4A-13

• David Martinez Hialeah Miami Lakes 8′
• Cristian Andino Goleman 7′6″

District 4A-14

• Andrew Jones Miami Central 10′
• Gamal Jadue Miami Beach 9′6″
• Jean Rubens Jacob Miami Central 9′

District 4A-15

• Brittany Jones Ferguson 8′6″
• Gabriela Herrera Ferguson 8′
• Sophie Verdeja Lourdes 8′
• Vanessa Cancio Lourdes 7′6″

• Alejandro Fierro Ferguson 12′
• Edgar Guerra Columbus 11′6″
• Eric Evans Columbus 11′6″
• William Ghersi Ferguson 11

District 4A-16

• Sharnice Byrd Miami Southridge 8′6″
• Chantelle Johnson Miami Southridge 8′

• Saeed Lee Miami Southridge 11′
• Kyle O’Grady Coral Reef 10′6″
• Sylvester Byrd Miami Southridge 9′6″
• Heriberto Serrano Miami Southridge 9′

3A District Pole Vault Results and Regional Qualifiers

District 3A-1

• Chelsea Chandler Navarre 9′6″
• Lyqruisha Wyche Pine Forest 9′6″
• Sarah Gibbs Pine Forest 8′
• Charlee Beckett Navarre 7′6″

• Vini Febus Navarre 12′
• Pierre Strother Pine Forest 11′6″
• Erik Alidor Pensacola Washington 11′6″
• Troy Ward Pine Forest 11′

District 3A-2

• Haley Watts Chiles 8′6″
• Grace Fuller Fort Walton 8′6″
• Cheryl Crovo Choctawhatchee 8′
• Lisa Spikes Choctawhatchee 8′

• Brandon Bassett Chiles 14′
• Buddy Austin Lincoln 13′6″
• Harrison Stierwalt Chiles 13′6″
• Morgan Smith Lincoln 12′6″

District 3A-3

• Ashley Baros-Kabler Eastside 8′7″
• Stephanie Howick Nease 8′1″
• Sarah Beebe Gainesville 8′1″
• Erica Good Gainesville 7′7″

• Michael Taylor Ridgeview 12′7″
• Sean Irby Gainesville 10′7″
• Daniel Dominguez Gainesville 10′7″
• Jonathan McDown Middleburg 10′1″

District 3A-4

• Krishell Edwards Ed White 6′
• Heather Davidson Ed White 6′
• Yvair Thomson Ed White 6′
• Simmone Robinson Ed White 6′

• John Farrell Wolfson 11′
• Nnamdi Davis Robert E. Lee 11′
• Hazeilneriah Yisreal Robert E. Lee 10′
• Raymond Brown Robert E. Lee 9′6″

District 3A-5

• Ana Heinzman Lecanto 9′6″
• Stephaun Martinez Leesburg 8′
• Nicole Pearson Lecanto 8′
• Meredith Holliman Lecanto 7′6″

• James Ort Belleview 13′
• Kevin Mansukhani Ocala Forest 12′6″
• Jason Roberts Lecanto 12′
• Javanth Charles Lecanto 12′

District 3A-6

• Jessica Harter Celebration 7′6″
• Danelle Clow New Smyrna Beach 7′
• Lauren Caban Celebration 7′
• Kristen Taylor Celebration 7′

• Giovanni Rodriguez Celebration 11′6″
• Martin Rios Celebration 11′
• Allein Powell St. Cloud 11′
• Guelmi Salgado Liberty 10′6″

District 3A-7

• Morgan Rasmussen Ridgewood 9′
• Tia Cooke Ridgewood 8′
• Nikytu Starbird 7′6″
• April Bickham Wesley Chapel 7′

• Shane Ralph Brooksville Central 12′
• Zachary Grunewald Land O Lakes 11′
• Alex Bullock River Ridge 11′
• Barrett Sheffield Brooksville Central 11′

District 3A-8

• Haylee Childs George Jenkins 10′
• Cara Elyea Lake Region 10′
• Stephanie Eveland Lake Region 8′6″
• Rachel Wynn George Jenkins 7′6″

• Rodney Havery Sebring 11′6″
• Alex Baier Lake Region 11′6″
• Caleb McGee Sebring 11′
• Tylet Heverly Winter Haven 10′6″

District 3A-9

• Alexandra Hagan Plant 7′
• Nicole Carnevali Clearwater 6′6″

• Ryan Cheney Clearwater 13′
• Steven Shifke Plant 12′
• Brian Baird Plant 11′6″
• Andrew Gilbert Jefferson 9′

District 3A-10

• London Enos Wharton 10′
• Perri Rothenberg Freedom 9′
• Melissa Adams Wharton 8′6″
• Sofia Sanchez Wharton 8′6″

• Trent Wiseman Freedom 13′
• Isaac Stetson Wharton 12′6″
• Kyle Pruner Newsome 12′6″
• Rahil Rojiani King 12′6″

District 3A-11

• Erin Hughes Northeast 8′
• Erin Steierman Osceola 7′6″
• Consentina james Northeast 7′6″
• Nicole Coppone Boca Ciega 6′6″

• Tristian Corder Northeast 12′
• William Burrows Northeast 11′
• Patrick Rinard Northeast 10′6″
• Kevin Wang Seminole 9′6″

District 3A-12

• Gina Gravino Charlotte 8′6″
• Megan Reuss Lakewood Ranch 8′6″
• Amber Gunderson Charlotte 8′
• Danielle Komen Lakewood Ranch 7′6″

• Mike Cantasano Charlotte 13′
• James Fulmer Lakewood Ranch 12′6″
• Jesse Brown Charlotte 12′
• Nathan Whithead Bayshore 12′

District 3A-13

• Brooke Sourbier Barron Collier 8′6″
• Meghan Barry Barron Collier 8′
• Hannah Menzies Barron Colllier 8′
• Alexandra Dati Barron Collier 8′

• Seth Denison Naples 12′
• Andrew Haynes Baker 12′
• Taylor Millard Palmetto Ridge 11′6″
• Dennis Call Barron Collier 11′

District 3A-14

• Brittany Youney 8′6″
• Nicholette Brown Titusville 6′

• Mike Vani Merritt Island 16′0.5″
• Codi Cooper Satellite 13′
• Sam Adams Merritt Island 11′
• William Scozzari Sebastian River 11′

District 3A-15

• Mallory Johnson South Fork 10′
• Caroline Wood Boca Raton 8′6″
• Alexis Veatch Martin County 8′
• Alicia Meyer Martin County 7′6″

• Derek Wood Boca Raton 12′6″
• Brandon Castelluzzo Dwyer 11′6″
• Philip Stumpf Martin County 10′6″
• William Kenney Martin County 10′6″

District 3A-16

• Buehrer Fort Lauderdale 8′6″
• Sarah Haughtaling St. Thomas Aquinas 8′6″
• Mary Curran St. Thomas Aquinas 8′
• Katrina Layman St. Thomas Aquinas 8′

• Hunter Moon St. Thomas Aquinas 13′6″
• David Shepherd St. Thomas Aquinas 13′6″
• James Boozer St. Thomas Aquinas 11′6″
• Trimmings Miami Jackson 11′

Pole Vault Time Rules Are Critical To Know For Competition

There seems to be some confusion when it comes to how long a pole vaulter has for his or her turn.  First of all let’s go over the actual time restrictions on pole vaulters.  This rule can be found in your rule books under Rule 7-2-5.

• 1.5 minutes will be allowed for each vaulter to initiate a completion, this is the rule for when there are more than 3 competitors remaining.
• 4 minutes will be allowed for each vaulter to initiate a completion once there are 3 or less competitors remaining in the pole vault competition.
• 6 minutes will be allowed once a single competitor is remaining in the pole vault competition.

Having said that, let’s go over a few of the specifics for this rule.  The time begins once the standards are set in place, not once your name is called.  It is the responsiblity of the vaulter to make sure the standards are set correctly.  You must begin a successful completion within the allotted time in order for the vault to count.  If there are 4 competitors remaining and you begin your approach within the allotted 1.5 minutes then you are ok.  If you begin your run with 10 seconds remaining and you stop your approach run, then return to the origin of your approach, and try to run again, chances are you will be given a miss, unless you are super fast getting back.  The rule does not specify how many times you abort your run, as long as you are within the alloted time frame.

If your standards are set, you are on the clock and may not elect to pass that attempt.  This is common on windy days, especially with a swirling wind.   You have to elect to pass before your standards are set, remember that.

April Pole Vault City Camp Was A Huge Success

Sorry this post took so long to get up, but it’s better late than never.  I can’t tell everyone how excited I was to see all the vaulters at the April pole vault camp held at Titusville Astronaut.  I saw some major breakthroughs made by vaulters that came from all over the state of Florida and Georgia. Alright, there was only one from Georgia.

The perrennial powerhouse St. Thomas Aquinas from Ft. Lauderdale brought a whole group of people including Hunter Moon, James Boozer, Nico Shepherd, Winston Perry, Mary Curran, Katrina Layman, Sarah Houghtaling, and Kaela Fudali.  Deland High School represented with the big man, Andrew Kustodowicz, Natalie Shortlidge, and Patrick Oliphant.  Titusville Astronaut was represented by Alyssa Bundy, Lucy Walter, and Aaron Cowley.  Merritt Island had vaulters Mike Vani, Sam Adams, and Shelton McLean present.  Flagler Palm Coast showed up for the last day with Kenlee Critcher and Cory Soard.

Individuals represented areas from all over the state.  Amy Bauer came from Cocoa Beach, Alex Kazanski and London Enos came over from Tampa, April Rogers came in from Jacksonville,and alumni Lindsey Bott came by from Naples.

Speaking of Georgians, Boom Nuanual, made the trek down and was able to put on a pretty good show for the Floridians.

Everyone did a great job and I wish everyone luck at their upcoming championship meets.  Alyssa Bundy won her district and Lucy Walters was runner up as these young ladies prepare for their regional meets coming up next week.

A special thanks to April for breaking everyone’s favorite pole, the 10′6″ 110.  In April’s defense, the pole seemed to be spiked due to the way it broke right between her hands instead of near the sailpiece.  So we’ll let April off the hook and try and get a replacement pole in time for the next camp.

Good luck to everyone and thank you for coming to camp.  Hopefully we will see some great results.  Keep me posted on how you are doing.

Class 2A Regional Qualifiers in the Pole Vault

With the first week of the championship week completed for 2A, the field has been narrowed down to 64 as schools head off to regionals next week.  Here is the rundown on how each district fared.

District 2A-1
District champions Meridith Chavers of Gulf Breeze at 8′6″ and Dylan Lopez of West Florida at 11′6″.

• Meredith Chavers Gulf Breeze 8′6″
• Kelsey Moran Gulf Breeze 8′
• Megan Inman Pensacola Catholic 5′
• Beverly Olsen Pensacola Catholic 4′

• Dylan Lopez West Florida 11′6″
• Trent Cunningham West Florida 11′
• Chas Reynolds Pensacola Catholic 11′
• Trey LeBlanc Gulf Breeze 11′

District 2A-2
Congratulations to Godby High for sweeping the top spots in the district with Sonya Mitroutzova and Allen Starke winning at heights of 8′1″ and 12′9″ respectively.  Godby also took 5 of the 8 qualifying spots.  Sounds like Darius Jones is still coaching at Godby.  Good job D.

• Sonya Mitroutzova Godby 8′1″
• Terrica Balcom Godby 7′6″
• Amy Murray Florida High 7′
• Allison Murray Florida High 6′6″

• Allen Starke Godby 12′9″
• Billy Mueller Godby 11′
• Aaron Vaughn Florida High 10′6″
• Cameron Thompson Godby

District 2A-3
Suwannee sweeps the district pole vault titles with Tanisha Wheeler and Kristopher Skeen vaulting 8′ and 10′ respectively.

• Tanisha Wheeler Suwannee 8′
• Virginia Kurtz Suwannee 7′6″
• Taylor Woodham Suwannee 6′6″
• Briana Riley Suwannee 6′6″

• Kristopher Skeen Suwannee 10′
• Orrin Gilkison Santa Fe 9′
• Andrew Warren Bradford 9′
• Shane Sellars Suwannee 8′6″

District 2A-4
Congrats to district champions Paige Shirley from Episcopal at 9′6″ and Aaron Plotz from Bishop Kenny at 12′6″.  Episcopal flexing their pole vault strength in the girls with a strong sweep.

• Paige Shirley Episcopal 9′6″
• Emily Smithwick Episcopal 9′
• Emily Sirbaugh Episcopal 8′6″
• Julia Rogers Episcopal 8′

• Aaron Plotz Bishop Kenny 12′6″
• Garrett Scantling Episcopal 12′
• Evan Saitta Bolles 11′6″
• Chris Dayao Bishop Snyder 11′6″

District 2A-5
Kudos to district champions Stephanie Walker from Creekside at 7′6″ and Kevin White from St. Augustine at 12′.  The amazing thing about this district was the huge number of competitors with 16 female vaulters and 20 male vaulters.  Congratulations to all the schools, coaches, and athletes of district 2A-5!

• Stephanie Walker Creekside 7′6″
• Xandria Bundy Clay 7′6″
• Shelby Mayo St. Augustine 7′
• Samantha Gresham St. Augustine 6′6″

• Kevin White St. Augustine 12′
• Mike Greiner Matanzas 11′6
• Levi Rosa Matanzas 10′6″
• Zach Schroeder Matanzas 10′6″

District 2A-6
Crystal River sweeps the district titles in the pole vault thanks to Jessica Frometa and Ryan L’Heureux vaulting 9′7″ and 12′ respectively.

• Jessica Frometa Crystal River 9′7″
• Caleigh Boyington Citrus 9′
• Lauryn Rashley Citrus 7′6″
• Jacqueline McCune Crystal River 6′

• Ryan L’Heureux Crystal River 12′
• Cameron Jones Crystal River 11′6″
• Kyle Spivey Crystal River 11′6″
• Ben Rashley Citrus 11′6″

District 2A-7
Congratulations to Brianna Arellano from Bishop Moore at 8′6″ and Steven Bush from Tavares at 11′6″ for winning their district.  I see Steve Seward is still working his magic over at Tavares High School.  Keep up the great work Steve!

• Brianna Arellano Bishop Moore 8′6″
• Louise Yergey Lake Highland 7′6″
• Jessica Jetmore Bishop Moore 7′6″
• Amy Shepard Lake Highland 7′6″ (yes she is a sibling of the famous Shepard sisters from Lake Highland, Whitney and Christy)

• Steven Bush Tavares 11′6″
• Daniel Weber Tavares 11′
• Zach Shumway Lake Highland 10′
• Nick Steele Tavares 9′6″

District 2A-8
Congratulations to Frostproof for sweeping the district vault titles thanks to A Raines and Federi Avellaneda whom vaulted 7′ and 10′6″ respectively.

• A Raines Frostproof 7′
• Kaelyn Fort Lake Placid 6′6″
• Kristen Miller Frostproof 6′
• A Landen Frostproof 5′6″

• Federi Avellaneda Frostproof 10′6″
• Ranferi Galarza Frostproof 10′
• Clinton Faircloth Avan Park 9′6″
• Nicholas Swain Lake Placid 9′6″

District 2A-9
Congratulation to district champs Mari Ostrenko from Tampa Catholic at 9′ and Michael Davalos from Hernando at 12′

• Mari Ostrenko Tampa Catholic 9′
• Kelsey Sturman Wiregrass Ranch 8′6″
• Caroline Patton Zephyrhills 8′
• Gabriel Amarchand Nature Coast 7′6″

• Michael Davalos Hernando 12′
• Pat Beane Tampa Jesuit 12′
• Kyle Catlett Tampa Jesuit 11′6″
• James Castellanos Robinson 11′6″

District 2A-10
District champions Jillian Koenig from Braden River at 8′6″ and Jordan Romecki from Cardinal Mooney at 13′6″.  Looks like Jordan is letting everyone know he could be a contender for the 2A title.

• Jillian Koenig Braden River 8′6″
• Angel Mason Lemon Bay 7′6″
• Brianna Aquila Hardee 7′6″
• Amber Cizmar Lemon Bay 7′6″

• Jordan Romecki Cardinal Mooney 13′6″
• Nick Smart Braden River 10′
• Jacob Arme Cardinal Mooney 10′
• Cody Pyle Braden River 10′

District 2A-11
Congrats to Julia Liccini from Bishop Verot at 9′ and Brian Milner from Golden Gate at 11′ for winning district titles.

• Julia Liccini Bishop Verot 9′
• Anna Taylor Golden Gate 7′6″
• Kaudia Luczak Golden Gate 6′6″
• Taylor Waldrop Riverdale 6′

• Brian Milner Golden Gate 11′
• Steve Jean Baptiste Golden Gate 10′6″
• David Klimaszewski Riverdale 10′6″
• Bryan Tischler Bishop Verot 10′

District 2A-12
Congrats to Alyssa Bundy from Astronaut at 8′6″ and Ryan Gilroy from West Shore at 13′6″ for winning their district titles.  Alyssa is only a freshman and it looks like Ryan may be able to make a run for the 2A title.

• Alyssa Bundy Astronaut 8′6″
• Lucy Walter Astronaut 8′
• Christine Pollard Astronaut 7′6″
• Sara Akram Viera 7′6″

• Ryan Gilroy West Shore 13′6″
• Alex Perez Harmony 12′6″
• Cole Delano Astronaut 12′6″
• Seth Brooks Viera 12′

District 2A-13
This is the closest i’ve ever seen two pole vaulters from the same family.  Differing by only one letter and 6″ in height.  Way to go Andrea and Andre Marshall for winning your district titles.

• Andrea Marshall Inlet Grove 6′

• Andre Marshall Inlet Grove 6′6″

District 2A-14
Here is a district that deserves to be bragged about!  Congrats to Caitlin Schuessler from Pine Crest at 11′2″ and Kyle Mailoux from Archbishop McCarthy at 13′6″ for winning the district titles in perhaps the most difficult district in all classifications.  Caitlin and Kyle also look to be in the hunt for the 2A title.  Amazing that it took 9′ and 12′6″ to get out of the district. Way to go everyone in 2A-14.

• Caitlin Schuessler Pine Crest 11′2″
• Chrissy Gratz Archbishop McCarthy 9′6″
• Alessandra Cassidy Archbishop McCarthy 9′6″
• Jessica Cornelia Archbishop McCarthy 9′

• Kyle Mailoux Archbishop McCarthy 13′6″
• Anthony Amodio Archbishop McCarthy 12′6″
• Lee Milam Archbishop McCarthy 12′6″
• Jordan Barrios Cardinal Gibbons 12′6″

District 2A-15
Congratulations to Katherine Brennan and Quinton Huffman , both from LaSalle, as they won district titles with heights of 6′8″ an 10′ respectively.  Congratulations to LaSalle pole vaulters for securing all the qualifying places out of this district.

• Katherine Brennan LaSalle 6′8″

• Quinton Huffman LaSalle 10′
• Rafael Gomes LaSalle 10′
• Manuel Sanchez LaSalle 10′
• Lorren DeLaGarza LaSalle 7′6″

District 2A-16
Key West is always producing state contenders down there amidst those beautiful waters of the Florida Keys.  Congrats to Brittany Wagoner and Travis Stokes for their victories at districts.  Both could be players at the state meet, however, this seems to be a tough region coming up next week.

• Brittney Wagoner Key West 10′6″
• Emma Fehleg Key West 8′
• Ivy Sokol Ransom Everglade 7′6″
• Devon Grussmark Ransom Everglade 7′3″ ( I think this should be 7′ - even if there were a jumpoff, the top mark only counts if the jump-off is for 1st place.)

• Travis Stokes Key West 12′6″
• Liam O’Connor Coral Shores 12′
• Mason Mermell Gulliver Prep 11′6″
• Clay Wagner Key West 11′

Class 1A Pole Vault Districts Narrows Field To 64

With the first week of the championship week completed for 1A, the field has been narrowed down to 64 as schools head off to regionals next week.  Here is the rundown on how each district fared.

1A-District 1
District champions included Reachel Waas from Pensacola Christian at 7′ and Chris Carrigan from Jay at 13′. This was a solid district with a nice distribution of place finishers from different schools.

• Rachel Waas Pensacola Christian 7′
• Heather Anderson South Walton 6′6″
• Christie McDonald Pensacola Christian 6′
• Heather Wainright Soth Walton 6′

• Chris Carrigan Jay 13′
• D.J. Striegel South Walton 12′
• Ian Towne South Walton 11′6″
• Dakota Boughton Jay 11′6″

1A-District 2
District champions Kate Loyd and Bill Naylor both from Wewahitchka with heights of 6′6″ and 8′ respectively as Wewahitchka claimed all the advancing spots.

• Kate Loyd Wewahitchka 6′6″

• Bill Naylor Wewahitchka 8′
• Dakota Ake Wewahitchka 8′
• Jacob Taylor Wewahitchka 7′
• Nick Malcom Wewahitchka 6′6″

1A-District 3

1A-District 4
District championss Tarina Wade and Time Clark from Branford with heights o 7′6″ and 9′ respectively as Branford swept all 8 qualifying spots.  Way to go Branford!

• Tarina Wade Branford 7′6″
• Tanya Dicks Branford 7′
• Shanteena Cruz 6′
• Logan Boss Branford 5′6″

• Tim Clark Branford 9′
• Aaron Hardin Branford 8′
• Henry Richardson Branford 8′
• Anthony Armstrong Branford 6′

1A-District 5
District champions included Katrarina Stevens from University Christian 7′6″ and Townsend Bullard from University Christian 10′.  Hard to believe there were only 3 pole vaulters in the entire district.  Good for University Christian, bad for the sport of pole vaulting.  Step it up district 5.

• Katarina Stevens University Christian 7′6″
• Brooke Johnson University Christian 5′

• Townsend Bullard University Christian 10′

1A-District 6
District champions Kylee Skidmore from PK Yonge at 9′6″ and Josh Loyd from Cedar Key at 11′.  A strong team performance by both PK Yonge and Cedar Key.

• Kylee Skidmore PK Yonge 9′6″
• Samantha Beckham Cedar Key 9′
• Stephanie Denardo PK Yonge 8′6″
• Shanna Breil PK Yonge 7′6″

• Josh Loyd Cedar Key 11′
• Joseph Bishop Cedar Key 9′
• Kevin Carswell Cedar Key 8′
• John Lowery Oak Hall 7′6″

1A-District 7
District Champions Lauren Koos from Mount Dora Bible at 9′ and Josh Bruns slso form Mount Dora Bible at 12′.  Mount Dora Bible wrapped up 5 out the 8 places that advanced.  Congrats to that program.

• Lauren Koos Mount Dora Bible 9′
• Paige Byrnes Lake Mary Prep 8′6″
• Marissa Baker Mount Dora Bible 7′6″
• Brianna Gasser Lake Mary Prep 7′

• Josh Bruns Mount Dora Bible 12′
• Devon Carter-Freeman Mount Dora Bible 10′6″
• Minchul Kim Trinity Prep 10′
• Blaine Ramsdell Mount Dora Bible 10′

1A-District 8
District champions Lindsey Enders and Corey Smith both from Holy Trinity with respective heights 10′6″ and 11′7″.  Watch out 1A, the next female state champion may be coming out of this district.

• Lindsey Enders Holy Trinity 10′6″
• Ariana Barr First Academy 8′6″
• Lauren Fair First Academy 8′
• Sarah Delk Circle Christian 7′6″

• Corey Smith Holy Trinity 11′7″
• Conner Canatsey Circle Christian 10′6″
• Tyler Walko Pine Castle Christian 9′6″
• Paul Kuch Pine Castle Christian 9′

1A-District 9
Northside Christian swept the district champions with Molly Scott and Grant Rideout with heights of 8′ and 13′7″ respectively.  Grant seems to be making a move towards that 1A title.

• Molly Scott Nothside Christian 8′
• Rachel Katz Tampa Prep 7′6″
• Melissa Tomlin Northside Christian 7′
• Jessica Artille Northside Christian 6′6

• Grant Rideout Northside Christian 13′7″
• Charles Baumann Tampa Prep 10′6″
• Beaush Feaster Northside Christian 9′6″
• Cliff Barker Northside Christian 9′6″

1A-District 10
Districts champions Linzie Merchant and Alexander Delfino both from Lakeland Christian with heights of 7′ and 11′6″ respectively.  Looks like Lakeland Christian is continuing the tradition of the great Nick West.

• Linzie Merchant Lakeland Christian 7′
• Anieke Aspinwall Lakeland Christian 7′
• Carrie Kirby Lakeland Christian 6′6″

• Alexander Delfino Lakeland Christian 11′6″
• Daniel Firmin Lakeland Christian 10′
• Daniel Smith Lakeland Christian 10′
• Mitchell Devore Lakeland Christian 8′

1A-District 11
District champions Casey Evans from Shorecrest Prep at 8′6″ and Donavan Erbe from Admiral Farragut at 11′.  Don’t let the winning boys height fool you, Donavan made opening bar of 13′ at Florida Relays earlier this year.  I’m giving Donavan the inside track to winning the state championship.  Yes, Donavan attended a Pole Vault City camp last summer as well as a recent camp in Texas that his dad said was very helpful.

• Casey Evans Shorecrest Prep 8′6″
• Erin McClenathan Shorecrest Prep 7′
• Rachel Kistemaker Keswick Christian 6′

• Donavan Erbe Admiral Farragut 11′
• Wyatt Krapf Shorecrest Prep 11′
• Gem Runyan Admiral Farragut 11′
• David Sotolongo Shorecrest Prep 11′

1A-District 12
Congratulations to district champions Erin Rectanus of Community School of Naples at 9′6″ and Zach Wittenberg from St. John Neuman at 10′6″.  Congrats to Community School of Naples for advancing 6 of the 8 spots to regionals.

• Erin Rectanus Community School of Naples 9′6″
• Kelly Robinson Community School of Naples 9′
• Manuela Burtscher Seacrest 8′
• Valentina Grekos Community School of Naples 8′

• Zach Wittenberg St. John Neuman 10′6″
• Conor Timmoins Community School of Naples 10′
• Hunter Smith Community School of Naples 10′
• Mike Ross Community School of Naples 10′

1A-District 13
District champions include Jamie Fisher from Benjamin 7′ and Michael Edwards from Benjamin 12′.  Apparently everyone is afraid to pole vault except the Benjamin School - Good for you Benjamin School - Keep Vaulting.

• Jamie Fisher Benjamin School 7′
• Jeanelle Ackerman Benjamin School 6′6″
• Emily Fisher Benjamin School 6′6″

• Michael Edwards Benjamin School 12′
• John Thomas Benjamin School 7′

1A-District 14
District champions include Kamila Silva from South Florida Heat and Logan Vanhoutteghem from Coral Springs Christian at 14′4″.  This district appears to have some serious contenders for the 1A state title.

• Kamila Silva South Florida Heat 9′4″
• Cassie Zero South Florida Heat 8′
• Candice Drake South Florida Heat 7′6″
• Andrea Ohania South Florida Heat 7′

• Logan Vanhouttghem Coral Springs Christian 14′4″
• Thomas Maguire South Florida Heat 12′
• George Thompson South Florida Heat 10′
• Johnny Lipham Coral Springs 9′6″

1A-District 15
District champions Ali Battista and Anthony Harel-Canada both from Westminster Academy with heights of 8′6″ and 12′6″ respectively.  Westminster claimed 5 of the 8 advancing spots.

• Ali Battista Westminster Academy 8′6″
• Christina Irizarry Dade Christian 8′6″
• Erica Kalomeris Westminster Academy 8′
• Rebecca Urrutia Calvary 7′6″

• Anthony Harel-Canada Wesminster Academy 12′6″
• Hunter Oman Wesminster Academy 9′6″
• Charles Adderley Wesminster Academy 9′
• Asher Shashaty Calvary 8′6″

1A-District 16
District champions included Keilyn Gonzalez from Florida Christian at 8′ and Eric Westring from Westminster Christian at 10′.  Looks like only 3 on each side were able to clear opening bar.

• Keilyn Gonzalez Florida Christian 8′
• Natalie Fiallo Florida Christian 7′6″
• Gaby Knight Westminster Christian 7′6″

• Eric Westring Westminster Christian 10′
• Anthony Valasquez Florida Christian 9′
• Marcos Lopez Florida Christian 9′

Lindsey Enders Is The Pole Vault Queen Of Florida

For those of you who haven’t heard of Lindsey Enders, listen up, there’s a new queen on the block.  Those of us in Brevard County already knew about the sophomore sensation from Holy Trinity that amazes people with her furious speed on the runway and her gymnastic prowess in the air.  For those of you that are just getting to know Lindsey, get used to her, she’s here to stay.  As just a sophomore, she defeated the top rated vaulter, Morgan Scherschel from Gaither, in route to her Florida Relays crown.  She’s small but she thrills crowds with her lightning speed on the runway combined with her acrobatic ability in the air.  With a personal best and season best of 11′6″, this fireplug is a state sensation in the making.  Both the boys and girls leaders in the state of Florida were defeated at the Florida Relays with Wyatt Metzger winning the boys event with a vault of 14′6″.

Listen up college coaches, put this young lady on your recruiting radar.  She isn’t just a one height wonder either, she has been very consistent throughout the year with her heights and I’ve seen her come in at 11′ at the Cape Coast Conference Championships.  In fact, she cleared her opening height, went and ran the 100 high hurdles, I told you she was fast, went and reran the 100 hurdles due to a timing error, and still came back and tried to vault at 11′6″.  She had the meet won, her legs were shot, and she still went for it.  I’ve coached many female athletes that have vaulted over 12′ and this young lady has the makings of one of Florida’s all time best.  Completely different from the greatest female ever from Florida, NCAA Champion, professional vaulter, and one of my Facebook friends, Lacy Janson, Lindsey is diminuitive in size, but makes up for it with pure athletic ability.

As a class 1A competitor, Lindsey will have a good chance at being the state champion this year and will have a chance to join only 2 other girls in winning 3 state championships while in high school, both members of Pole Vault City, Lori Bowen and state record holder, Caroline Kennedy.  This is very elite company and we wish Lindsey the best during this and subsequent seasons.

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