Oberg Vaults Into Third and Two School Records Fall at National Meet

Even when he is not at his best, Mike Oberg is still among the top high school pole vaulters in the nation.

The Ocean City High School athlete took third in the Emerging Elite Pole Vault competition at the New Balance Indoor National Track Championships on March 12 in New York.

"I could have done better," said Oberg, who cleared 14 feet, 2 1/2 inches. "I should have (recorded a personal record). I should have cleared 15-something. I was jumping low, and later I just messed up."

Oberg, who was making his first appearance at the event may not be satisfied with the height, but is pleased with the result.

"It was a pretty good experience," Oberg said. "It's a confidence booster."

The Ocean City boys distance medley team of Erik Johnson, Bill Dooner, Andrew DeMaria and Miles Schoedler finished eighth with a time of 10 minutes, 17.97 seconds, which was good enough to set a school record.

The previous mark was held by Erick Geisinger, Blake Boffa, Him Dugan and John Richardson in 2003.

"We were happy set a school indoor and outdoor record," Schoedler said. "That is a good sign for things to come for spring."

Jimmy O'Connor was 14th in the pentathlon, scoring 3,369 points for a school record. The pentathlon includes the 60-meter high hurdles, long jump, shot put, high jump and the 1,000 meters.