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While nearly half the state is back to Cross Country in some form, those who are skeptical about Indoor Track are finding all the competition they can, while they can. That's most easily accomplished in the specialty events, where athletes are already accustomed to training and competition outside the typical HS circuit. Here are two Pole Vaulters putting up strong numbers already.
Up And Over For Cassidy Allen
Two weeks ago, we spoke with Allen about her search for ever higher heights. Cassidy Allen (Southwestern) achieved that benchmark height of 13-1.5 this weekend, albeit with an unfortunate caveat. The height was a new personal best, and the Senior went on to make strong attempts at 13-7.25, before the need for a larger pole hampered her progress. The mark is significant, because Allen had been chasing the D2 State Record of 13-0.25 set back in 2000.
However, because the Meet was held indoors, and D2 designation's only apply to Outdoor Marks, the record will not stand. But the mark does still count on the Indoor All-Time List, where Allen now moves up to NY #7 on the leaderboards, with plenty of the Season left to go.
Rachel Venter Back On The Board
Allen wasn't the only vaulter around making new heights. Rachel Venter (Warwick) spent much of last year pushing the bar every week as a 7th Grader, establishing both Indoor and Outdoor 7th Grade State Records in the Vault. Now an 8th Grader, there are plenty more Records to aim for.
On Saturday at the Barn, Venter cleared 11-1 to establish a new Indoor State Record for 8th Graders. Her mark breaks the prior set just last year, by her teammate and training partner Lily Beattie. The mark is a 7-inch Personal Best.