Ashley Laughlin (Texas) vaulting her way to victory

[rainbowgirl28]

http://www.cstv.com/sports/w-gym/uwire/032707aaf.html

Laughlin vaulting her way to victory

By Courtney Cox Daily Texan
March 27, 2007

Austin, TX (CSTV U-WIRE) -- The art of pole vaulting. It can be described as a blend of running, gymnastics and flying.

Ashley Laughlin, a junior from Marble Falls, currently holds the school's indoor and outdoor pole-vault record. She's worked on mastering the pole vault since high school, after she attended Don Hood's pole vault camp her freshman year.

"My mom thought I would be good," Laughlin said.

Her background in gymnastics and cross country, among other sports, has helped her to excel in pole vaulting.

"It's a million different things going on at one time," Laughlin said. "So much has to go right."

To clear a height, the process begins with planned footwork, such as the eight-step run to which Laughlin tries to adhere. The process continues from the ground up after the short sprint to the pit, where the vaulter plants the pole, hopefully gaining enough momentum and height to clear the bar.

Laughlin has grown up around Texas. Her mother is a UT alumna, and her father took her to basketball games from a young age.

"I've wanted to come here since I was a baby," Laughlin said.

Her workout consists of weight training to retain the upper-body strength necessary to spring with such heavy poles. Sprints are also an integral part of the training process to build speed for more momentum to clear the bar. Laughlin vaults twice a week and also has an agility workout that helps her technique in the air.

More than physical ability, the art of the pole vault is based on mental toughness. It takes courage to hurl one's body in the air with a gigantic pole in a bold attempt to briefly fly and fall with style, without hitting the track or falling on the pole. The initial fear of injury or heights is normal, but few possess enough mental strength to continue after several failed attempts or a bad fall.

For Laughlin, peace of mind comes with a steady grip on the pole and a vision of success.

"I picture myself clearing or planting," she said. "I try to keep a clear head."

Improving one's record is not an easy task. Athletes either have to move up to taller poles or work on their technique to better utilize the poles on which they currently vault. Laughlin was forced to use longer poles at the Last Chance Meets in Arkansas this year, when as her event began, she could not locate her own poles. She was forced to do what most athletes would consider unthinkable - fraternize with the competition.

Laughlin ended up asking a pole vaulter from another school if she could borrow her poles, and surprisingly, she agreed.

"Pole vaulters are a little different," Laughlin said. "Everyone is usually nice."

Laughlin gave one of her best performances at that track meet, even though the athlete she borrowed from did not do so well and was eventually eliminated.

"It was awkward," she said.

Laughlin attributes her continued growth to her coaches, who continue to push her in every aspect of her event. She also uses her desire to contribute to the team's success as an incentive to do her best. Laughlin and her teammates take the field in the Texas Relays next week.

"I am determined to score," she said. "You can always reach a new height."

(C) 2007 Daily Texan via CSTV U-WIRE

[kat_vaulter]

The coach from the other school "Sam Houston State University" must be a nice guy!!

[belmore]

Yes, he is a "nice" guy, more like a saint, so is that other school's vaulter, Jennie Sewell, thanks so much for that loan, also thanks to that coach at Arkansas who also loaned Ashley poles. You guys were great for doing that, you can count on the same treatment from me. True sportsmanship and just human kindness was definitely displayed by all. I expect to see all of you at the Relays and thank you properly. Thanks so much. Brian Elmore