Angela Shauw Article (IN)

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http://www.indystar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/a ... 23/ZONES03

Helping team is most important to standout


By Andrew P. Peck
Star correspondent


Though she excels as an individual performer, Angela Shaul is most admired in Franklin track and field circles for being a team player.

With the sectional looming, the Franklin High School junior is trying to vault to new heights and help her team, and she's finding it isn't easy.

She seemed disgusted after her last pole vault attempt Thursday. Shaul managed to clear just 8 feet 6 inches -- a foot shorter than her season best -- in Franklin's dual meet with Columbus North.

Shaul watched as North's Charli Reid topped that height and won the event.

Just moments earlier, Shaul had run the third leg of the Grizzly Cubs' victorious 400-meter relay team. She then took a few breaths, grabbed a pole and barreled down the runway, but failed to clear the bar.

The quick turnaround will be less of an issue at next week's sectional because more competitors means more time between events.

Shaul could be among the top pole-vaulters in the state. Should she forget about the 100-meter dash or the short relay and concentrate on her best event?

Perhaps, but don't bother asking her. Franklin coach Tim Leonard broached the subject last week, he said.

"It crossed my mind to take her out (of the 100), but it never crossed hers," Leonard said. "She said no.

"I think deep down she wants to help the team out and score as many points (as) she can. She wants to run a race that she'll acknowledge is not her best event."

Shaul's teammates recognize her mind-set. Senior Michelle Balich and sophomore Lauren Persifull say Shaul has helped them learn to pole vault, which is in just its second year of girls competition recognized by the Indiana High School Athletic Association.

"She shows me how to do everything right," Persifull said. "When she knows exactly what I'm doing wrong, she shows me how to fix it and what to keep on doing."

Individual accolades are little motivation for Shaul. She is reluctant to talk about herself, and emphasizes that she derives the most enjoyment from seeing the team succeed.

"I like track because of the team," she said. "Everybody here is really supportive of each other in every aspect. That's why I'm here, and that's what I like the best about it."

Shaul, who has a successful background in gymnastics, said she wanted to take on a new challenge, and pole-vaulting is the perfect outlet. Her goals include clearing 10 feet in a meet and advancing to state.

She acknowledged that her performance Thursday falls short of her aspirations.

"Doing terrible just makes me want to get pumped up and get better the next time out," she said. "We're going to get as much practice in as we can and try to brush up on things."

Her interests include business and politics. Though she has not decided which field of study to pursue, she has considered law and business, and Indiana University in particular.

No matter which direction she follows after graduation, Leonard said he expects her to find success.

"Some kids are just leaders," he said. "Without having to say anything, she's just somebody that other kids gravitate toward. I don't know anybody who doesn't like her. The kids like her. They respect her."

Balich agreed.

"She's really encouraging, and she's always there to help you," Balich said. "She's always there to listen."