Vaulting in Struble's Blood

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Vaulting in Struble's blood


By EDWARD G. ROBINSON III, Staff Writer


Sanderson High School pole vaulter Wells Struble knew the family stories. His grandfather, Raymond Struble, was a pole vaulter who used sticks that didn't bend and landed in sawdust pits.

His uncle, Vince Struble, was a successful pole vaulter in college and high school. His uncle, Wayne Struble, set the Sanderson school record of 15-3.

Still, Wells Struble was reluctant to try the awkward-looking sport. He questioned how much fun one could possibly have hopping with a stick. And furthermore, how did they make their backs bend that way?

But there the senior was on Saturday at the Wake County Track and Field Championships, bending his back and carrying his stick around with a smile.

"I never thought I'd be a pole vaulter," Struble said. "It turns out I love it."

With a jump of 13-6, he won the Wake County pole vault event, tying a personal best.

Struble came around to the idea of pole vaulting during his freshman year, where he turned to his uncle Vince for guidance after participating in a tryout.

After returning this season from a back injury, Struble has emerged as a competitive pole vaulter and wants to win a state title. He also has his sights set on uncle Wayne's record.

"I'm getting there," he said. "I'm working."