This year might be the time that we experience some heights led by Rose Fritz
Pole Vault-
2018 State Champion: Kelly Zehnder (Roselle Lake Park) 11-9
Key Returners: Rose Fritz (Sr., Naperville Central), Jess Streepy (Sr., Palatine ), Jenna Pauly (Sr.), McHenry, Yasmin Ruff (Jr., Oak Park-River Forest), Maddy Smith (Sr., Ottawa), Kelsey Rothas (Jr., Lake Zurich), Courtnie Ridgway (Jr., Normal Community), Katelyn Gall (Sr., Minooka), Noor Abdellatif (Sr., Antioch), Noelle Jones (Sr., Lake Villa [Lakes]), Dakota Betts (So., Glenbrook South), Mia Connelley (Jr., Niles North), Emma Bechtel (So., Niles West)
Outlook: The ranks have been hurting for several years without a vaulter over 12-feet. It does not appear as though we will see relief in sight. However, there is a positive twist to the pot with a bevy of 11-footers ready to emerge from the shadows. Seasoned athletes such as Jess Streepy, Jenna Pauly, Noelle Jones, Yasmin Ruff, and Kelsey Rothas are the main candidates.
Career gymnast Rose Fritz has catapulted herself as the top returner with an 11-6 clearance that netted third place at state last spring. As great as she was in her first love, Fritz indicated that track and field will be the sport for the future.