Gable Baldwin article (Nebraska)

[rainbowgirl28]

http://www.ncaasports.com/crosscountry/story/9216992

NU's Baldwin looks for consistency as Big 12s near

Feb. 8, 2006



(CSTV U-WIRE) LINCOLN, Neb. -- Gable Baldwin doesn't like being in the spotlight, but following a breakout sophomore season, he better get used to it.

The junior pole vaulter burst into the limelight last year when he won his first Big 12 Conference title at last year's outdoor championships, while also earning All-America honors.

"I try to avoid (the spotlight) as much as possible," Baldwin said. "I'm not somebody who likes the spotlight as much, but it's nice to have obviously. It's good to have the attention and bring it to the sport and Nebraska."

After failing to qualify for the NCAA Indoor Championships as a freshman, Baldwin's sophomore season liberated him. He said he finally realized he could compete with the best vaulters in the country.

This season has gone pretty much as expected, according to Baldwin. He won the first three meets of the season and placed second at last weekend's Frank Sevigne Husker Invitational.

The gradual improvements in his marks at each meet are giving him the confidence that he hopes will peak at the Big 12 Championships on Feb. 24-25.

"You got to bring your 'A' game for Big 12s," Baldwin said. "There's a lot of good jumpers in the conference, and even my own teammate Ray (Scotten) is one of the top ones. So even within your own team you've got to show up."

With two meets left until the conference championships, Baldwin's height of 17-5 3/4, which he reached last weekend, is second in the Big 12. Seniors Nic Peterson and Scotten have the seventh- and eighth-best marks in the Big 12 Conference.

NU pole vault/multi-events coach Kris Grimes said he expects all three to contend for a conference title.

Baldwin reached provisional status for the NCAA Championships at the Nebraska Triangular on Jan. 28, while Peterson and Scotten are still pursuing the provisional mark of 17-0 3/4.

Grimes considers Baldwin to be one of the favorites to win the event at the conference meet, but said he is working with Baldwin to find consistency in his approach run.

"We're trying to develop a consistent rhythm in the run," Grimes said. "In the past he's had a little bit of a problem with maybe not being as consistent as he wants to be. So what we're trying to develop is a rhythm that allows him to be consistent on the run and bring a lot of speed as well."

The former high school All American from Grand Island Central Catholic said he hopes finding a consistent approach will help alleviate some of the pressure of automatically qualifying for the national meet within the next two weeks.

While he wants to qualify for nationals, Baldwin would rather perform his best at the conference championships.

"I've competed in nationals, and I wasn't as nervous for those as I was for Big 12s," Baldwin said. "Big 12s is usually really nerve-racking for me. All year that's what you hear from the coaches. That the Big 12 meet is where you want to show up."

For Baldwin, the next few weeks are "all about gellin'," according to Grimes. And if he puts everything together, Baldwin should earn some more time in the spotlight.

"You put the Jell-o into the fridge, and it's a liquid," Grimes said. "When it comes back out, it's gellin' man, and you're just waiting for some nice jiggles."

[NebPV]

"You put the Jell-o into the fridge, and it's a liquid," Grimes said. "When it comes back out, it's gellin' man, and you're just waiting for some nice jiggles."

That probably the funniest quote I have ever seen!!! Just waiting for some jiggles.......good one coach!!