Tony Arampatzis Article (SD)

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http://www.aberdeennews.com/mld/aberdee ... 227717.htm

Central High jumper, vaulter stretch toward form that made them champions

By Deb Smith

American News Sports Writer


Two Aberdeen Central defending state champions stretched their legs at an indoor track and field meet at the Barnett Center on the Northern State campus.


Aberdeen Central and Watertown competed in the John Huth Invitational dual meet on Thursday. No team points were kept in the meet which is named after former Central boys' track coach John Huth. It was the first action of the season for the Golden Eagles but Amy Seyer and Tony Arampatzis debuted in style with wins in their respective specialties, the high jump and pole vault.


Arampatzis cleared 13-9 to win the State AA pole vault and went 12-6 for a first-place finish on Thursday. He had more practice time than Seyer. According to South Dakota High School Activities Association rules, pole vaulters can begin practicing earlier than other track athletes.


Arampatzis participated in a pole vault camp in Reno, Nev., and competed in indoor meets at the DakotaDome in Vermillion.


At this point in the season, he is trying to get in a rhythm.


"I'm on a shorter run (approach) and a shorter pole," Arampatzis said. "It's the beginning of the season and you don't want to start out as high as you can go. I'll work my way back to a longer run and a longer pole."


Just like Seyer, Arampatzis was looking at getting comfortable with his approach and release over the bar. "I was doing all right. My steps are my only concern right now. I wanted to make sure my run was on," he said.


Pole Vault: 1, Leslie Brost, Watertown, 11-0; 2, Kaylyn Ronke, Watertown, 9-6; 3, Ali Arampatzis, Central, 8-6; 4, Claire Campbell, Central, 8-0; 5, Adrianne Skaggs, Central, 7-6.

Pole Vault: 1, Tony Arampatzis, Central, 13-0; 2, Paul Clendenin, Watertown, 12-6; 3, Jason Albano, Central, 11-0; 4, Jordan Riefenberger, Watertown, 11-0.

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http://www.aberdeennews.com/mld/aberdee ... 768443.htm

Arampatzis defends state pole vault title; Central boys finish third behind Stevens, Roosevelt

SIOUX FALLS - By Dave Vilhauer

American News Sports Writer

A month ago Tony Arampatzis was not preoccupied with defending his Class AA state pole vault title. He just wanted to make a height. Any height.

After failing to clear a height in several meets, the Aberdeen Central junior changed poles, gained momentum and found his way back to the top. Arampatzis cleared 13 feet, 6 inches Saturday to repeat as champion during the state track and field meet at Howard Wood Field.

"It was a slow season," Arampatzis said. "I was worried."

His season began to come around when he switched to a shorter pole. That resulted in a 14-foot effort last week which helped to restore his confidence.

"That just pumped me up," Arampatzis said. "The last two meets I got it together when it counted."

Arampatzis, whose goal next season is the school record of 15-3, was the only vaulter in his class to clear 13-6.

"I was ready to go today," Arampatzis said.