Sioux Falls Vaulters Reaching For New Heights

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USF Vaulters Reaching For New Heights
By Matt Holsen
Published: January 13, 2011, 12:07 AM



SIOUX FALLS, SD - Pole vaulting may not be the first sport that comes to mind this time of year but over at USF, vaulters are hard at work. Just a few weeks into the indoor season, several Cougars are posting marks that top the NAIA and, interestingly enough, they're finding their toughest competition, may come from their own teammates.

Competitive fire is key when it comes to being an athlete. That drive to be the best can easily be found in the vaulting community at the University of Sioux Falls.

"It gets kind of competitive but there's a lot of encouragement too. So that's really nice to be a part of a team that builds you up," junior Kayla Friesen said.

Friesen has been national runner-up twice in her career, an all-american three times and a three-time conference champ. You'd think she'd be the best female on her team at any given point in the season but as of right now, that's not the case.

"It's hard sometimes to get beat, especially by somebody younger but, she's a great girl, good teammate too," Friesen said.

Friesen is referring to fellow Cougar and Alexandria-native Brigitte Gross who currently has the seventh-ranked vault at any level, including Division I, with 13' 1". The two went back and forth topping each other last year and early this season, Gross and Friesen (11’11.75”) are No. 1 and 3 respectively when it comes to NAIA.

"It's really nice to have her because I have someone pushing me constantly," Gross said. "To see each other working hard at the practices makes me work harder and to do my best and not lazily do stuff."

That work ethic seems to be contagious throughout the program. Junior Brian Schenavar (15’9”) is No. 1 in NAIA when it comes to the men. He attributes the teams success to the coaches and time put in.

"This isn't the best place to vault. We're in the gym set up so we don't hit the basketball hoops. They're just committed to us and we're committed to them," Schenavar said.

An arrangement that could lead to big things down the road.

"As early as it is I mean, it's unbelievable what these guys are doing. To see what the result will be in March at nationals and at the conference meet, it's going to be exciting and fun to be a part of," Assistant Coach Reid Ehrisman said.

The GPAC Indoor Championships take place in the middle of February and the NAIA Indoor Championships are set for the beginning of March.