You need speed, body control and upper-body strength. Betsy Kaminske said her gymnastics background has helped. Her success as a vaulter has been gradual. Now, after attending clinics and getting help from her coaches, Kaminske has vaulted eight feet, six inches and has set a goal of nine feet. The top height in the state this season is 10 feet by Erin Bruggeman of Hartland Arrowhead.
Boys also benefit from the new event.
Since the pole vault increased the number of girls' events to 18, the WIAA added a boys' 800-meter relay so they would have the same number of events. All in all, the additions make track more attractive than ever for boys and girls. A kid of any height and body structure can find an event and become successful in it. That's a hurdle that kids don't need a pole to vault over. All Rights Reserved.