New National Freshmen Record: Kaitlyn Merrit (CA) 13'3"

[Andy_C]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-UaibQ8- ... e=youtu.be

Hopefully there will be a writeup from somewhere soon.

Congratulations to Kaitlyn, coach Kevin and the Higherflyers!

-Andrew

[Andy_C]

Finally got a writeup, just cropped out the pole vault related part:


WALNUT – Continuing to show the poise and confidence of a veteran, Santa Margarita freshman pole vaulter Kaitlyn Merritt used her biggest stage of the season to vault higher than any freshman in national high school federation history.

Merritt cleared a freshman national record of 13 feet, 3 inches to win the Division 3 pole vault title at the CIF-SS Divisional Finals on Saturday at Mt. San Antonio College.

"It hasn't quite soaked in yet, but it was fun," Merritt said. "I got on a bigger pole and got my grip higher this week in practice and I felt confident coming into the meet. It was exciting when I landed and the bar was still up."

Merritt, who set the state freshman record in her first competition this season, cleared the national mark on her second attempt. In the process, she broke the previous national freshman record of 13 feet, 2 inches set in 2008 by former New Iberia Catholic High of Louisiana standout Morgann LeLeux.

Merritt's record clearance is currently the third best mark in the country this season and is second all-time in county history, trailing only former Newport Harbor star Allison Stokke's mark of 13 feet, 7 inches.

"I know what I am capable of and have tried each meet to come out and just do my best all season," Merritt said.

Two other county vaulters also claimed titles. Foothill senior Victoria Rische won her third consecutive Division 2 title with a clearance of 12 feet, while Huntington Beach senior Amy Loschiavo took home the Division 1 title with the same height.

http://www.ocvarsity.com/sports/divisio ... rritt.html


-Andrew

[PolevaultSD]

Awesome!!!! Simply Awesome... Thanks for posting this up Andrew!!!

[Andy_C]

Awesome!!!! Simply Awesome... Thanks for posting this up Andrew!!!

No problem, just passing along the news!

Also, here's an interview with Kaitlyn on DyestatCal on her recent accomplishments and future goals:
http://espn.go.com/video/clip?id=7976281

-Andrew

[joebro391]

Hey Becca!!!! I think your High School Records list needs some updating on both side -6P

[rainbowgirl28]

Hey Becca!!!! I think your High School Records list needs some updating on both side -6P

Oh I know, maybe later this summer. You wouldn't believe how busy I've been...