Jennifer Smothers article (IL)

[rainbowgirl28]

http://www.pjstar.com/stories/040706/HI ... .067.shtml

VAULTING TO NEW HEIGHTS: That Morton senior Jennifer Smothers set a pole-vault school record in just the second outdoor meet of the season came as no surprise to her coach.

"She worked all off-season training," Morton coach Lynn Rudin said. "She's been very dedicated and has put in a lot of hours and it's paid off."

Smothers added 2 1/2 feet to her 8-foot-0 best of last season when she cleared 10-6 March 31 against Richwoods. She then finished 10th at the Illinois Prep Top Times state indoor meet with a 10-0 jump.

"She's so athletic," Rudin said. "Her gymnastics background is an attribute to pole vaulting. She has no fear and she's just so strong.