Big things are happening in Pole Vault in the Rochester Area. Dustin Meyer (Gates-Chili) had a major breakthrough last night, smashing the Junior State Record in the Pole Vault, with his win at 16-1. Not only does he become a member of the 16-foot club, but he takes down the previous record held by Derek Dibona (Warwick Valley) set in 2014 at 15-10.
Meyer originally matched that mark for a big personal best last night. It stood as a new Section 5 Record, replacing the 15-9, set by Andrew Park of Fairport in 2003. Meyer's mark has him tied for NY #8 All-Time, as well as NY #2 in 2018. Only Charles Crispi (Monsignor Farrell) has jumped higher this year, at 16-3. Ironically, Crispi started the season with a best of 14-9, while Meyer had hit 15-0. Both athletes have made major jumps.
The mark comes during an interesting year for Gates-Chili. Erica Ellis was a former member of the Pole Vault crew, but since decided to go unattached to train and compete with the Suhr's. Ellis was jumping 13-3.5 in Toronto last night as well. Meyer quietly set the sophomore State Record last Indoor Season at the State Meet. Now, with the Junior State Record, and Ellis at hers, they become the only school to hold matching records across genders, twice at that. Gates-Chili also took second in the meet, with Dylan Delconte taking second at 14-9, making them the most dominant Pole Vault school in the State.
Pole Vault
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8G: 4.05 13-3.5 NICK JONES (Shenendehowa) 2000
Fr: 4.115 13-6 NICK JONES (Shenendehowa) 2001
So: 4.57 15-0 DUSTIN MEYER (Gates-Chili) 2017
Jr: 4.83 15-10 DEREK DIBONA (Warwick Valley 2014
4.90 16-1 DUSTIN MEYER (Gates-Chili) 2018
Sr: 5.20 17-1 Jordan Yamoah (Arlington) 2011