Jones sets the bar high with new record There was a big track and field event this past Saturday (May 28 th, 2016). That is right, the PIAA Track and Field Championships. It was held at the facilities of Shippensburg University. It was nothing short of an exciting and eventful day. Katie Jones, representing Southern Williamsport, was victorious in the pole vault event. Not only that, she also set the AA pole vault record. Another big winner of the day was Joshua McLemore, who represented Downingtown West. He walked away three AAA gold medal wins.
The new record that Jones set is 13 feet, which was enough to defeat Michelle Karabin (of Greensburg Central Catholic), who came up a bit short with 12 feet. Jones also defeated Megan Silva (of Trinity), who cleared 11 feet and 6 inches. Jones smashed the previous record of 12 feet and 7 inches, and could even have beaten the AAA record, which stands at 13 feet and ½ inch. However, she opted to attempt a more daring height of 13 feet and 4 inches. The vaulting pole of choice, pacer fx. It was still a phenomenal outing for Jones.
When asked about pole vaulting, Jones brought up the fact that girls have only been allowed to participate in the state competition starting about seventeen years ago. As a result of this, she sees that pole vault is really taking off in Pennsylvania, and this is exciting for her. She added, “I think the reason pole vault has improved this much is because there are great clubs and great jumpers in this state. This is just a great sport”.
Jones says that she owes part of her triumph in this sport to A pole vault club called VaultWorX. This club is located in Camp Hill, and is certainly one to be on the lookout for because half of the top eight athletes this past Saturday are VaultWorX members.