The season was extended one more day for San Benito’s Josh
Schroder.
The season was extended one more day for San Benito’s Josh Schroder.
The Haybalers senior was one of nine vaulters to clear 15-3 in the preliminaries Friday at the CIF State Track and Field Championships, securing a berth in today’s finals at Hughes Stadium in Sacramento.
The opening height was 14-3, but Schroder passed until 14-9, a height he cleared on his second attempt.
“On the first run Coach (Julio Trinidad) said I rushing everything,” Schroder said. “I was hitting my marks, but I was rushing. I fixed that and I made it big on 14-9.”
With the height moved up to 15-3, Schroder easily cleared it on his first attempt.
The field was narrowed to nine at that height and all of those competitors advanced to today’s finals.
Last year, Schroder cleared 14-4 while finishing in a tie for 11th and had the attitude of being just happy to be there. But this time around, he’s looking to make noise and cleared his first hurdle by advancing to the second day.
“I’m excited because I kind of knew I was going to make it (to the finals) and I got to see everyone else,” Schroder said. “I want to make the podium and I’m confident I can make it. Last year, I knew I wasn’t going to go further (than the preliminaries). But this year, making it on the podium would be the best thing.”
A top-six finish is required to make it on the podium and receive a medal.
Schroder credits his increased success this year with the fact that he’s competed on 15-foot poles throughout the season.
“Last year I was still on 14-foot poles but this year I didn’t use a 14-foot pole at all,” Schroder said. “That really helped me get used to (15-foot poles) and I’ve been more consistent at heights.”
The boys pole vault will kick off the competition for the second straight day when it gets underway at 3pm. The opening height will be 15-3.
