Merrissa Malcolm article (PA)

[rainbowgirl28]

http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/leadert ... 48421.html

Freeport sophomore vaults to new heights


By Tribune-Review Media Services
Friday, April 28, 2006

Freeport’s Merrissa Malcolm coaches gymnastics at Allegheny Valley YMCA in Natrona Heights.

Perhaps that’s why she is so willing to see things through the eyes of her high school track and field coaches and spend time learning the intricacies of pole vaulting.

During the offseason, Malcolm attended a camp and indoor track meets at Slippery Rock University in an attempt to reach new heights. The extra effort is showing in her results.

Malcolm recently set a school record with a vault of 9 feet, 6 inches, which is tied for the third-best performance in WPIAL Class AA this season. Last year, her best vault was 7-6.

Malcolm has the top vault of all the athletes expected to compete in today’s 32-team Mars Track and Field Invitational. A title or even a strong finish at Mars would be a big boost heading into the WPIAL postseason.

“The pole vault is the most technical event in track,â€Â