State third placer Sam Spencer is back and ready to challenge for the top spot
Pole Vault-
2018 State Champion: Josie Held (Mt. Zion) 12-9
Key returners: Samantha Spencer (Jr.), New Lenox ([Providence Catholic]), Mara Pletcher (Jr., Mahomet-Seymour), Rhiannon Held (So., Mt. Zion), Landis Brandon (Jr.), Monticello, Julia Lasley (Jr., Anna-Jonesboro), Alix Rule (Jr., Peoria Richwoods), Claire Gatermann (Sr.), Oak Park [Fenwick]), Ella Siebenberger (Jr.), Freeburg, Kolby Weiss (So., Clinton)
Outlook: The top performers from a year ago Josie Held and Aliyah Welter are off to college now. They have left a legacy in which a talented crop of vaulters can pick and take to the next level. Josie's baby sister Rhiannon Held performed marvelously in her introductory season. Rhiannon was not afraid to take chances and challenge herself when the pressure was on the line. Ultimately she cleared 12-0 which made her not only one of the top returners in the state but one of the top freshmen in the country.
The state's top returner in which the spotlight will be bright upon is Sam Spencer. The speedy Spencer only lost to Josie and Aliyah over the course of a full season. If you put things in perspective, the 13-foot barrier is in reach for someone this season and it very well could be Spencer the getting over it. A nice platter of 12-footers is ready to be added to the ranks. Mara Pletcher is a key name to watch.