North Buncombe (NC) vaulters article

[rainbowgirl28]

http://citizen-times.com/apps/pbcs.dll/ ... 6603250301

Black Hawks trio not afraid

Pole vaulters a special group with high hopes

by Andrew Pearson, STAFF WRITER
published March 25, 2006 6:00 am
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WEAVERVILLE - North Buncombe pole vaulters Taylor Isgrig, Amanda Massey and Sean Reardon gravitated toward the field event because they have no fear of heights.

Likewise, lofty goals don't intimidate the trio.

"My expectations for each of them is to finish first in the state (at the NCHSAA 3-A meet in May)," said Black Hawks assistant coach Jeff Capps, who specializes in teaching area vaulters.

"We set our goals high and then try to reach them. And I think every one of those kids has a chance to do just that. They really are a special group."

During practice Friday, Isgrig and Massey joked around like typical teenagers. But competition brings out a different side of both girls.

"(Massey) is a good teammate, and we have a lot of fun," said Isgrig, a junior who has cleared 10 feet. "But we're also very competitive. We want to see each other do well, but we also both want to win at meets."

Before Isgrig came to North Buncombe, Massey won a 3-A championship in the pole vault as a freshman. Now a senior, she has improved her personal-best height by a foot (10 feet, 6 inches) since 2003.

Massey finished fourth last spring at the NCHSAA 3-A meet, while Isgrig tied for sixth place.

"I want to get back to the state meet and do well," said Massey, who shares the Black Hawks school record with Ashley Marino. "(Isgrig) and I get to push each other every day in practice. I think it makes us both better, but it can be tough sometimes. Neither one of us likes to lose."

As for Reardon, he is one of the more well-rounded athletes in Western North Carolina. He has already signed a letter of intent to play college football at VMI.

In addition to the pole vault, where Reardon matched the area's top height last spring at 14 feet, Reardon competes in both the 110-meter hurdles and 300-meter hurdles.

"Sean has a lot of talent, but he also pays his dues by working hard," Capps said. "He's like Amanda and Taylor. If I wanted to hold practice until 7 o'clock every day, they would be here. They understand that hard work is what it takes."

[polevaulter08nw]

a question abut the areas top height, here in the west, we had daniel keller clear 15'9 to win the 3-A state meet, so im pretty sure that 14 wasn't matching for last years outdoor track season, just thought i would ask and claify alittle, but these are really really good athletes.