It was a big day in Western New York. Senior Leah Pasqualetti (Orchard Park), fresh off a new personal record last week at 14-0, comes away today with the overall State Record after clearing 14-3. Jumping at Houghton College, at the newly minted Section 6 Groundhog Classic, the senior from the Buffalo area surpassed the pre-existing State Record of 14-2, set by Mary Saxer of Lancaster, back in 2005. Saxer was then the first female High Schooler to ever clear 14-0, Indoors or Out. Pole Vault was first introduced as a female event in New York State in 1998.
There is another connection between Saxer and Pasqualetti, other than their WNY roots. Leah jumps on an Altius Adrenaline Pole, designed by none other that local World Record Holder Jenn Suhr, alongside her husband, Rick Suhr. Back in 2005, Saxer was coached by Suhr, one of a small group of Vaulters in NY, including Outdoor State Record Holder Tiffany Maskulinski (Iroquois). Pasqualetti's mark today surpassed that Outdoor Mark by 3 inches.
Pasqualetti now becomes the 4th highest Vaulter ever Indoors, in US History. Last year, Chloe Cunliffe (West Seattle HS) set the National Record at 14-9. The only other athletes ahead of Leah are the Weeks' twins of Arkansas, who hold bests at 14-4 and 14-3.25.
We recently had a Workout Wednesday with Pasqualetti, alongside her coach Mike Auble. Check out her Pre-Meet Routine below.