Eric Fettner (IL) 14-7

[rainbowgirl28]

http://www.pioneerlocal.com/cgi-bin/ppo ... 19385.html

Fettner sets record at county meet
BY DAN SHALIN
STAFF WRITER

Vernon Hills High School senior pole vaulter Eric Fettner has a dream for the IHSA State Track Meet later this month.

"I want to make people turn their heads and ask where I came from," he said.

A nice thought, except that if Fettner continues vaulting at his current level, he will hardly be a no-name when he reaches Charleston, site of the state meet, on May 26-27.

Last Thursday, Fettner captured the vault title at the Lake County Meet in Lake Zurich, setting a county meet record with a jump of 14-7. It was the first time he cleared 14-7 in competition -- or practice.

But Fettner left the meet somewhat disappointed he was unable to reach 15-0 -- after clearing 14-7 by a foot.

"I knew I had the height to do it (reach 15-0)," Fettner said. "All three attempts at 15-0 were great shots. But it was a long day of jumping and my body had nothing left in it"

Fettner said the performance has come ahead of schedule and has changed his expectations for the final three meets of the season.

"I was expecting to get 15 around sectional and state and (last week) that was still three weeks away," he said. "It was a big shock that it came so soon. I just got fired up and went all out."

At today's NSC Meet in Wauconda, Fettner is hoping to break the 15-0 barrier. He hopes to at least vault that high, perhaps even reach 16-0, by next week's sectional.

In many years, a 16-foot jump would make Fettner the favorite for a state title. But this is no ordinary year in Illinois high school pole vaulting. Three vaulters have already exceeded 17 feet.

"It's an unreal year. It's the hardest year in history to place (top eight)," Fettner said. "Normally, a 14-6 will place you. This year, you will need a 15-0 or more, or at least a 14-9.

"I'm shooting for a (top eight) medal. At state, it's two days of jumping and a lot of people can't consistently do that two days in a row. Those who can have a good two days will place."

Fettner said the key to his success this season has been an ability to master the mental side of the sport. Visualization is part of his preparation.

"I basically close my eyes and visualize every step," he said. "Right before I go, I talk to myself. I give myself a little mental pep talk and then it's about coming down the runway full out."

[fx]

Three vaulters have already exceeded 17 feet.

is this right or is it a typo?

[nitro]

maybe its supposed to be 16

[VaultMarq26]

Only phil hanson has cleared over 17