Luke Schoen (NY) 15-3

[rainbowgirl28]

http://www.newsday.com/sports/highschoo ... -headlines

Schoen vaults into first

BY MARCUS HENRY
Newsday Staff Writer

May 7, 2006


It wasn't long ago that West Islip pole vaulter Luke Schoen was ready to quit. In fact, the senior had decided to give up pole vaulting five times during his sophomore year, only to return after some prodding from the West Islip coaching staff.

It's tough to blame Schoen for wanting to quit. After all, trying to learn one of track and field's most difficult events is no easy task.

However, Schoen's decision to stick with the pole vault has begun to pay big dividends as he placed first in the event, attaining a height of 15 feet, 3 inches at the 35th annual St. Anthony's Invitational yesterday. The vault was a personal best for Schoen, who will be attending the University of Albany in the fall.

"I started vaulting in the 10th grade, but I couldn't do it at all," Schoen said. "I kept quitting, but [pole vault] coach [Jim] Dooley made me go back and I started getting better."

Schoen's improvement was rapid as he went from barely vaulting 10 feet at the beginning of his sophomore season, to the state championship meet by the end of that season. Schoen was vaulting 12-feet plus by the end of his sophomore year. As a junior, he finished sixth at the outdoor state championships. During the indoor season, Schoen placed fourth in the state meet after he vaulted 15-1.

"It didn't take long for me to get better once I got the technique right," Schoen said of his sophomore year. "I started bending the pole more. And once you do that, you start getting higher."

[vault3rb0y]

Thats awesome, i dont remember seeing him at indoors, but i must of just missed him. He took the spot from my friend in section 4, eric hughes, lol. Eric has jumped 15'3 in a duel meet, so it doesnt count toward rankings i believe. There should be a ton of guys at high 15's this year, and maybe a few in the 16's. should be fun .