The Pickerington Regionals were as Chris mentioned, just a “preview of what the State Championship will hopefully be like.” As I approached the vault area, the competitors were doing run throughs and talking with their respective coaches. One could feel the tension in the atmosphere, as well as the 88° temperature. Coming out of all of the
(Michale Shibko clears 15'6" at the Pickerington Regional - Photo By Mark Stonecipher)
The starting height was 13’ for the 15 qualifiers. 9 vaulters were left at 14’6. 7 were left at 15’. 5 Vaulters will still in the competition at 15’6”.
Michael Shibko,
Jacob Blankenship,
Chris Uhle, Olentangy Liberty
Joey Uhle, Olentangy Liberty
One would not go to State.
All 5 vaulters missed their first two attempts at 15’6” On their third attempts, both of the Uhle brothers cleared the height. Everyone then watched as Michael Shibko cleared the height.
On fewer misses, Jacob Blankenship earned the 4th spot. Austin Hicks, after clearing 15’ would not move on to State.
The bar was moved to 16’ and only Joey Uhle cleared the height setting a new Regional Record and breaking his brother Mike’s Regional Record of 15’8”. Joey did not make any more attempts and immediately went over to warm up and win his semi-final heat in the 300m Hurdles. Chris began to change his mindset for his 800m final on Friday.
Did the Central Regionals Pole Vault competition live up to it expectations? Perhaps not. But, it is difficult to call it a disappointment when a new Record for the Central Regionals was set at 16’ and three of the four State qualifiers vaulted 15’6” and the fourth cleared 15’. With the Uhle brothers leading the way,
Both Chris and Joey advanced to state in more than just the pole vault. Joey placed first in the 300m hurdles with a time of 37.99, while Crhis advanced to the state meet by placing fourth in the 800m with a time of 1:55.96. Chris and Joey are definitely more than "just" pole vaulters.