Pinellas Park Pole-vaulter Jumps Winning Height in State Finals

The Pinellas Park Patriots track and field team ran into some thick competition at the state finals. There were still some great performances and even some medals coming home.

The girls 4x400 meter team ran well with a time of 4:14.46, but the field was so strong at the state finals that, that time was only good enough for 15th place.

The girls 4x100 meter cracked the 50 second mark with a 49.85 second time, still way down the line at 13th place.

• Senior Eddie Galan jumped a wining height of 15 feet at the state finals, it took him two tries to get it. Although Galan didn't win the state finals for pole-vault he was proud of his jump. Brian Baird of Plant High School won this competition.“I’m definitely proud. It couldn’t have gone much better. Brian and I are both going to USF [University of South Florida] so it’s not the last time we’ll see each other,” Galan said. 
• Junior Abby Vivlamore was a little disappointed with her 9-foot-6-inch pole vault height, but she ran a 4x400 meter final that truly pressed the limits of her endurance. “It’s a tough year to be at states but at least now I know how much I need to work to get competitive here. I can’t wait to come back next year,” she said.

• was happy just to make states as a freshman. As it was she missed qualifying for finals in the 200 meter by less than four-tenths of a second, with a time of 25 seconds flat. “It was a great experience because it showed me what I will be up against. I will be ready for states next year,” she said.
• Senior Nikori Bailey anchored both relays and was in awe of the competition at states. “It was a wonderful, crazy day that had its ups and downs. I’m just glad I pushed through it and did my best,” she said.
• Junior Jenna Sperna was disappointed with her shot put throws, but she will have a shot next year. She underthrew her potential with a 34-foot-2-inch throw, but her previous record is over 39 feet. A 39 foot throw would have easily put her on the medal stand. Although she didn't make it this year she kept her spirits up. “I’m coming to get it next year,” she said.
• Senior who had a marvelous performance at districts, fell short of qualifying for states in the 100 meter and 300 meter hurdles. Still, she ran on the 4x400 meter relay and ran her guts out, literally. “As far as the competition goes, I’ve never seen anything like it. It’s an honor to compete with such great athletes,” she said.