See the top ranked Ohio Pole-Vaulter and National #3, Matt Peare, above.
The National Pole Vault Summit in Nevada saw several Ohio athletes put up huge performances. Deidra Marrison, who represents both Geneva High School and the North Coast Vault Club, tied her all-time PR with a jump of 12'5''. Marrison's coach, Bobby McQuoid, was thrilled with this early season showing, but he insists that once Marrison fine tunes her run and gains experience with using some new poles, she can take down her existing PR and contend at big upcoming Ohio meets. McQuoid also felt that the high level of competition that was on hand in Nevada and the pressure that goes along with competing against such athletes will bode well for Marrison's progress.
An excited Deidra Marrison shown after vaulting 12'5'' in Nevada.
Not to be outdone, Allie Stern, of both Walsh Jesuit High School and the Industrial Vault Club, matched Marrison's fine effort by posting a 12'5'' vault of her own. Allie Stern's coach, Dave Mackey, spoke about the tremendous improvement that she has demonstrated over a relatively short period of time. Stern has gone from 10' to her recently set 12'9'' PR in a little more than a year's time. The 12'9'' mark was set at the Grand Haven Beach Vault in Michigan. Despite his excitement relating to Stern' performance, Coach Mackey firmly believes that she'll vault into the 13's prior to the conclusion of the indoor season. Another notable Ohio performer in Nevada was Jenna Frantz, who equaled Marrison and Stern's 12'5'' efforts. Frantz represents Versailles High School and these vaults of 12'5'' place the girls in a tie for 12th place nationally and in a tie for 2nd in the state.
Allie Stern demonstrating tremendous athleticism and determination.
Matt Peare, who was individually featured recently for his success at the National Pole Vault Summit, is also a member of Dave Mackey's Industrial Vault Club. Peare, who represents Hoover High School as well, put up an amazing 16'10'' jump in Nevada. With a little refining of his execution and with enhanced patience at the top of his vault, Mackey expects that Peare will go well into the 17's this year. Peare's outstanding performance is good for the top spot in all of Ohio and a tie for 3rd nationally.
The picture says it all - 16'10'' - wow!
Additionally, Kaitlyn Hawkins from the 'IVC' and also of Green High School put up an impressive 11'6 jump and Ally Martin also of 'IVC' and Ashland High School went 11'0''. Lastly, we'd be remiss if we didn't mention the tremendous vault that was demonstrated by Anna Watson of Olentangy Orange High School at the Ohio State Buckeye Qualifier #1 meet in Columbus. Watson won the competition with a stellar jump of 12'6''. This mark ranks her 1st in the state and in a tie for 10th nationally.