Senior Morgan Scherschel, from Gaither High School, flew over 11′ to defeat junior Emily Cook, aka Cookie Monster, from East Ridge High, and senior Nicole Smith, from Sickles High. Both Cook and Smith kept the pressure on Scherschel by clearing 10’6″, but 11′ would prove to be too much for the other girls. Upon winning the title, Morgan then moved the bar to 11’7″ where she soared over the bar on her first attempt, only to have the pole knock down the bar. This attempt was ruled a miss and Morgan would run into the same situation on her third attempt, only to have the official rule in her favor – a decision that was made because she was the final competitor and would not affect the final outcome in any way. Let this be a lesson to young pole vaulters: if you are not turned at the top of your vault, you will have difficulty throwing the pole back. Morgan claimed her second title in as many years and is also the state leader at 12′. One of the best scenes of all of the classification meets over the past two weeks occured after the competition on the award stand. After receiving their medals, there was a choreographed dismount that was definitely picturesque. With a majority of the competitors being former gymnasts and cheerleaders, this wasn’t too hard to believe. Fortunately, no one was hurt during the dismount.
Official Results
- 1st Place – Morgan Scherschel, Senior, Gaither High, 11’7″
- 2nd Place – Emily Cook, Junior, East Ridge High, 10’6″
- 3rd Place – Nicole Smith, Senior, Sickles High, 10’6″
- 4th Place – Erica Weiss, Junior, Boone High, 10′
- 5th Place – Kelsey Karlstrand, Junior, Riverview High, 9’6″
- 5th Place – Heather Williams, Junior, Venice High, 9’6″
- 7th Place – Gracie Clapp, Junior, Bartram Trail High, 9’6″
- 8th Place – Senior Antonia Zecevic, Douglas High, 9′
