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Kennedy pole vaulter Ellingson clears 15-6
March 17, 2007

MCMINNVILLE -- Kennedy pole vaulter John Ellingson cleared 15-6 on Friday to win the Grizzly Open hosted by McMinnville High.

His mark easily beat the meet record of 14-9 -- and the field -- at the 17-team tournament.

Ellingson's mark is six inches better than the Class 2A (Kennedy's classification) state championship record.

Roseburg's Adam Brink won the pole vault at last year's Class 4A state championships with a mark of 15-0.

Austin Oderkirk, newport High also went 15'6" at the same meet. Ellingson then had 1 close miss at 16'1". Bye the way, John is 5'6" tall and jumped on a 15' 160 pacer. Holding about 14'3".

Rick Baggett
WSTC LLC

Both John and Austin put on a great show. The meet was long. The guys started a little after 3pm and the girls finished about 9:30pm. The John and Austin show was definitely the highlight of the day. I was pitside and have video of the John's 15' 6" jump. Some how I missed Austin's at that height but I do have his 15' jump.

- master

I was competing at that meet. I've never seen such great competition and sportsmenship from both guys. How often does a high school vaulter get 2nd place with a vault of 15'6''... not too often.