Kenna Stimmel was named the Ohio Gatorade Player of the Year recipient on Thursday through an official press release from the company.
Known nation-wide for her pole vaulting prowess, this spring Stimmel put together her best season of what can only be described as a legendary high school career.
The now graduated Margaretta Polar Bear vaulted to meet titles during eleven of her twelve starts and successfully cleared 14-feet or higher, remarkably, on five occasions. Stimmel's lone set-back was a runner-up effort at adidas Outdoor Nationals, where she engaged in a spirited back-and-forth battle with Charleston Collegiate's Tessa Mudd.
On June 3rd Stimmel won state meet gold with her personal best showing of 14-6.25, a mark which carries no shortage of historical significance. Namely, it represents a Division III state record, an overall state record, an OHSAA state meet record, as well as an NFHS national record. The latter meaning her performance occurred during the traditional high school schedule and in a contest where only high school competitors were participating.
Stimmel's success didn't take place exclusively on the pole vault runway, however. The diversely talented Virginia Tech signee is also a state level performer in the sprints, hurdles and relays disciplines.
She scored an array of individual victories on the track as a senior and culminated her tenure at Margaretta at the state meet with second and fourth place finishes, respectively, in the 100m and 100m hurdles events. Stimmel also took on anchor duties during her team's 4x100m title winning run.
