Alex Fernandez Article (CA)

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http://www.dailydemocrat.com/Stories/0, ... 71,00.html

Fernandez flirts with school record

Junior nearly clears 12 feet in pole vault

By Democrat sports staff


STANFORD - Woodland High School junior Alex Fernandez flirted with a school pole-vaulting record Saturday at the Stanford Invitational.

Despite seeing limited action this spring, Fernandez cleared 11-feet-6-inches, placing fourth in the girls open division among a field of more than 30.

She is the only Lady Wolf to clear 11-6, holding the record at 11-8.

"The things she does are really awesome," Woodland coach Robbie Longan said. "She can really jump through her hands. That's how she can compete with the big girls right now."

Fernandez took three cracks at 12 feet, just missing a few times.

"Oh, she was right there," Longan said. "She came within inches. All she needed to do was pull a little harder or jump off a little bit more.

"Man, she's right there. She's ready to get 12."

Considering it was only the sixth time she's been on the runway, according to Longan, not reaching 12 feet shouldn't be considered a failure.

"Eleven-six is really awesome," Longan said. "That's a huge jump for a girl, especially this early in the season. Heck it's a huge jump for any girl."

Fernandez clipped Ali Fisher's school record of 11-3 last season.

While Longan believes Fernandez will clear 12 feet, he's not ready to rush the junior.

"It would be nice for her confidence-wise," he said. "Week by week we're going to work on the little things. Success will come with the little things.

"We're both really fired up from the week, but I'd rather have her peaking in June.

Woodland's track and field team will not be in action again until April 6, which will help some prepare for the Arcadia meet April 10.

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http://www.estripes.com/article.asp?sec ... icle=32900

Kubasaki's Fernandez faces difficult choices for second semester ... and beyond


By Dave Ornauer, Stars and Stripes
Pacific edition, Thursday, November 10, 2005

CAMP FOSTER, Okinawa â€â€