Matt Perella steps back to make a move forward (PA)

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http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/08101/871666-364.stm

PG South: Baldwin vaulter steps back to make a move forward
Thursday, April 10, 2008
By Brad Everett, Tri-State Sports & News Service
The cut on Matt Perella's hand looked even more painful than the fall that caused an already existing blister to break open.

But what was even more painful for Perella, a Baldwin High School senior, was that his hopes of winning another pole vault title seemed to be slipping away.

It was Saturday afternoon at the Tri-State Track Coaches Association championships at West Mifflin and, despite near-perfect weather, Perella was having anything but a perfect day. He didn't qualify for the 100-meter final; his explosive start in the 400-meter relay final went for naught as a teammate dropped the baton later in the race; and his best pole vault was good enough for only fourth place.

But it was the scab he ripped off in a 100-meter preliminary heat which served as a positive -- albeit sore -- reminder of how things have gone recently for Perella in the pole vault: He's been ripping off solid results.

The outdoor season is just getting into full swing, but it hasn't taken Perella long to carve out his mark as one of the top pole vaulters in the WPIAL. He has been outstanding in team meets, and made his biggest impact at the South Hills Classic at Baldwin two weekends ago, taking home first-place honors on his home turf.

"It was a good start with the South Hills Classic. I got a little bit of a boost of confidence, but [Saturday] put a little bit of a damper on it," Perella said. "But it feels good just to be vaulting and just getting on the bigger poles. I'd rather be looking good for my future meets."

Adjusting to a longer pole is Perella's top priority right now, and his ability to make the transition as smooth as possible figures to play a major role in any success he attains the rest of the season. As he usually does, Perella used the standard smaller pole at the South Hills Classic when he topped the field with a vault of 13 feet, 6 inches. But using a longer pole at the Tri-State meet, his best vault was just 12-6.

Despite the sudden step back, the change is one that Perella and Baldwin coach Ed Helbig said was needed.

"With a pole vaulter, once they get to a certain point, they need to move to a bigger pole or one that's heavier," Helbig said. "For him to jump in the 14 or 15 [feet] range, he needs to move to the longer poles. On Saturday, he made the transition and it cost him a place, but it was a good move for the long run."

Said Perella: "It's just a case of getting used to [the longer pole], a comfort thing. It's just such a different feel. Once I get it down, the sky's the limit for me."

In addition to excelling in the pole vault, Perella has also been a steady contributor for the Highlanders in several other events -- the 100, 400 relay and long jump.

At first glance, one wouldn't expect him to be a good sprinter, but his speed is deceptive. Perella was a running back on the Baldwin football team, and between his work there and during the indoor track season this past winter, his increased strength and speed has made him a legitimate dual threat.

"He has really good, explosive speed," Helbig said. "He's just become so much more aggressive since we've gotten outdoors. Now he's able to do a couple different things."

But it's the pole vault where Perella has the greatest chance of making some noise at next month's WPIAL Class AAA championships. As a junior, Perella finished seventh at the championships with a vault of 13-9, but with an extra year of experience, it might take more than a blister to keep him from flying even higher.

Said Perella: "If I can get it going with the bigger poles, I'm hoping that I can maybe sneak in and just win it.

"And if not, I'm shooting for top three, and then placing at states."