8th grader Reece Thompson

[htheodore]

8th grade vaulter, Reece Thompson, vaulted 14' at the Texas Pole Vault Roundup, in Joshua. Reece may be pushing the 15' range by this spring. He and his brother (Bro vaulted 15' 9" last year as a sophomore) are coached by Bill Payne.

[belmore]

Reese also had some really good attempts at 14'6", a very composed 8th grader jumping really amazing bars. Don't quote me on this, but I think he might beat his coach's high school pr before he gets out of jr high. That is kind of exciting, considering Bill ended up with the NCAA record. Speaking of Bill, daughter Demi put on a pretty good show jumping 12' from 4 lefts with a couple of close shots at 12' 6". For you old timers out there that remember "Wild Bill Payne" blowing over 19' with an upper lip dip, picture a much prettier Bill blowing up big bars, and you have a good mental picture of Demi. With apologies to Bill, alot prettier. Two young Texans to keep an eye on, Reese and Demi,, and one old one, Bill Payne, one heckuva coach.