Pole Vault-
2019 State Champion: Samantha Spencer (Sr., New Lenox [Providence Catholic]) 12-6
Key Athletes: Spencer, Rhiannon Held (Jr., Mt. Zion), Tori Thomas (Jr., Rock Island [Alleman]), Alix Rule (Sr., Peoria Richwoods), Landis Brandon (Sr., Monticello), Julia Lasley (Sr., Anna-Jonesboro), Ella Siebenberger (Sr., Freeburg), Megan Gasparaitis (Sr., Burlington Central), Mara Pletcher (Sr., Mahomet-Seymour), Cece Abramson (So., Mahomet-Seymour), Chloe Gallager (Sr., Genoa-Kingston), Amni Austin (Sr., Sycamore), Allison Schrock (Jr., Eureka), Olivia Earl (Sr., Clinton), Evie Wilson (Jr., Geneseo)
Breakdown: This is arguably the most loaded pole vault field regardless of classification in the history of the state. This year will be mainly focused around the returning state champion, Sam Spencer who has built up an amazing career thus far. The University of Minnesota commit has been consistent throughout the year going at least 12-6 a total of 13 times last season. With three all-state medals to her credit, she enters as the gold standard.
Rhiannon Held appears to be ready to step out of her older sister Josie's shadow. Rhiannon is entering the second half of her prep career with several notable accolades. She is a multiple-time national champion in summer, has a PR of 12-6.25, two all-state medals, but the one thing that has eluded her is a state championship. Held already has an upper hand on Spencer as she has already cleared 12-4.50 at the Wanda Lee Memorial Invite. Could 13+ be possible for Held?
The underrated Tori Thomas may the "X" factor in the field. Already a solid individual sprinter, Thomas has earned a few trips to state in the 100 and 200 dashes. Also, returning as the state runner-up and has cleared 12-feet numerous times. Perhaps stamina is the preventative measure in vaulting higher.
This field will miss one of their rising stars as Lillianna Ifft has transferred from Prairie Central to Bloomington. Its blow but, this field is very deep as we have the potential of seeing at least six different athletes break the 12-0 barrier this season.