Jake Blankenship (OH) 16-10

[rainbowgirl28]

http://www.snponline.com/articles/2011/ ... 34am_5.txt


Gahanna's Blankenship breaks state pole vault mark


But Gahanna made its share of news. Jake Blankenship, a junior, cleared 16 feet, 10 inches to set an Ohio outdoor pole vault record, and draw some wows.

Blankenship mostly waited until all competitors had finished, then got over the bar at the 15 and 16-foot levels.

Then he went for 16-10. He missed on his first two tries, then nailed it on the third to beat the record of 16-9 set by Olentangy Liberty's Chris Uhle at last year's state meet.

"I wanted to play it safe, so that I didn't do too much today," said Blankenship afterward. "I wanted to save it going into states, when it's important. So my theory was just come in here, maybe clear 15 and get some points for our team.

"I was feeling good, so we skipped to 16, and then went for the state record. It turned out good."