Batdorf, Caimi vaulting past the competition (NJ)

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Batdorf, Caimi vaulting past the competition
Thursday, May 10, 2007
Even though West Deptford High School junior Dan Batdorf and Pennsville senior Ryan Caimi usually don't compete head-to-head, they've become pretty good rivals.

Batdorf and Caimi were the only two pole vaulters to clear 13 feet, six inches at last Thursday's South Jersey Invitational at Buena. Batdorf took first on criteria.

Just two days later, they were at it again back at Buena for Saturday's South Jersey Relays. Once again, they were the last two standing in the pole vault competition.

This time, however, both came out on top.

Caimi cleared 13-6 again to help Pennsville win the Division I pole vault relay, while Batdorf cleared 14-6 to lead West Deptford to the victory in Group II. He and partner Matt Carroll combined for a height of 25-6.

Batdorf had three tries at 15-1, which would have broken the school record set by Dave Murnane back in 2001.

He's the latest in a string of exceptional pole vaulters that have excelled under veteran West Deptford coach Mark Dixon, who also was a talented pole vaulter during his high school days at the school.

"He has a story about every single one of them," Batdorf said. "He's obviously a very good coach and I was hoping I'd get (the record) today. I think it will come."

After clearing 13-6, Caimi also took a shot at a school record as he had three tries at 14 feet. But he was unable to clear the height, leaving Batdorf as the last competitor. Caimi and Eric Hutchinson had the top Division I combined height of 26-0.

Nick Seddens set the 14-foot mark back in 1996 and, ironically, Caimi picked up Seddens' old pole for his final attempt, which he almost made.

"It was windy at the end and that makes it tough at the higher heights, but I almost had it," said Caimi.

Caimi reached the school record on Tuesday, clearing 14-1 at the Salem County Championship meet, breaking a record that had stood for 32 years.

Caimi said he enjoyed competing against Batdorf.

"Competition always brings out the best in everyone," Caimi said. "I liked it a lot."