Stuczynski teleconference excerpts

[rainbowgirl28]

http://www.usatf.org/news/view.aspx?DUi ... 9_12_16_11

Lagat, Stuczynski teleconference excerpts
01-09-2006

On Monday, January 9, USA Track & Field hosted a media teleconference with three-time Wanamaker Mile champion Bernard Lagat, and 2005 USA indoor women's pole vault champion Jenn Stuczynski. Both will compete Friday, February 3 in the 99th Millrose Games at New York's Madison Square Garden.


Below are excerpts from Monday's call.

Jenn Stuczynski

The 2005 NAIA champion for Roberts Wesleyan, Jenn Stuczynski has been hot in the early going of 2006. On Saturday, January 7, she set her fourth consecutive personal best at the Nike Sharon Anderson Memorial Track & Field Meet at the University of Toronto with a clearance of 4.62m/15 feet, 1 ¾ inches - higher than any American woman jumped in 2005, indoors or out. The clearance also puts her as the second American on the all-time indoor list after Dragila.

A latecomer to the pole vault, Stuczynski is an all-around athlete and is the all-time leading scorer for women's basketball at Roberts Wesleyan, with 1,733 points. She is a 2004 graduate of the school.

Below are excerpts from Stuczynski's call.

Q: Tell us about your season so far.

A: So far, this season is going well. We're pretty much on schedule with what we wanted to be. We wrote up what we wanted out of the season. The ultimate goal is the American record this year. It's something that, if I keep perfecting the model that we get to, becoming more of a technician, it's attainable.

I started (vaulting) a little over a year and a half ago. I tried it once when I was in college, when I was injured. I did not like it at all. I pretty much focused on basketball. Then my senior year, I was competing in track and was healthy. My coach, Rick Suhr, saw me and convinced me to try it.

Q: Why did you get so good so quickly?

A: Honestly, it's where we jump and the system I'm in. I don't have to think too much - everything is handed to me in terms of technique.

Q: Rick Suhr has a mysterious reputation in pole vault circles - East European style and training facility. Can you tell us about that?

A: It's a metal, steel hut (training facility in Rochester, N.Y.). It opens into an area where the pit fits with maybe 10 feet on each side of it. The temperature is pretty much whatever it is outside. We have two propane blowers. We stand there and get warm. When it's our turn to jump, we get out there and jump.

Q: Tell us about how you vault and what you work on in training.

A: We do different things with our pole carrying, and being efficient through take-off. We try to carry our energy through the pole and go above it.

Q: What do you know about what it's like to compete at Millrose?

A: I don't know very much about it. I know what Rick has said, he had Mary (Saxer) there last year. I can't imagine it. I think it's something I'm going to have to be at to understand. I'm excited to see people and jump in front of people. I'm a little nervous, but it will be great.

Q: Is Stacy Dragila a role model for you, going into Millrose?

A: Stacy Dragila, I have never met her. I've heard things, I've seen pictures. I've seen her vault on a DVD, but she's just someone that I realize is very calm. She seems like she knows who she is and does everything she can do within herself. She doesn't try to be someone else. That's what I've seen from her and something I respect about her. She's very collected and knows how to handle situations.

Q: Do you think world record holder Yelena Isinbayeva is catchable?

A: Yes I do. For instance, I think the girl from Poland (#2 world ranked Monika Pyrek) is a very good vaulter and if she improves, she can vault with her. If I improve on stuff, I can vault with her. It's just a matter of time. I have to learn more and get better, and get used to meets. I'm a long way from her in terms of experience.

[roger/over]

"Q: Do you think world record holder Yelena Isinbayeva is catchable?

A: Yes I do. For instance, I think the girl from Poland (#2 world ranked Monika Pyrek) is a very good vaulter and if she improves, she can vault with her. If I improve on stuff, I can vault with her. It's just a matter of time. I have to learn more and get better, and get used to meets. I'm a long way from her in terms of experience."

Not too impressive, for the #1 USA vaulter not to know the name of the #2 world-ranked vaulter.

[tmask14]

I just wanted to let everyone know that Stu is amazing and is going to tear up American vaulting this year. Fly high girl!!

[mooner]

Ya I saw her jump over the weekend in Toronto, and she looked very impressive. She looks like she's going to have a good season ahead of her.

[tdtb]

Look at the similarities to her training facilites and Walkers at the U. of Washington in his first two years at the U. Both metal buildings and the temp is what is outdoors. Hummm. Prepares them both for anything? :dazed: