Jaiden Knoop of Lincoln-Way East competes in last year's Illinois Top Times
Top returning vaulters
*Preview will predominately focus on the indoor season. However, we will take some outdoor aspects into account
=====
Pole vault is one of those events that revel in its own mystique, almost like a secret society and if you don't have inside information on what's going on, you could be left in the dark. As it stands in real-time, there are only three returners who cleared 12 feet during last year's undercover season. They are Jaiden Knoop (Jr., Frankfort Lincoln-Way East), Makenna Skoczylas (Sr., Lockport), and Livia Binder (Sr., Maroa-Forsyth).
Knoop, who like many pole vaulters, got her start in gymnastics. With assistance from the Rise Pole Vault Club, the talented Knoop quickly got up to big heights during her sophomore campaign in which she consistently cleared 11 feet. Finally, at the closure of the season, she copped a nice personal best at the Illinois Top Times with a clearance of 12'1.75 in taking second to the now-graduated Tessani Foster of Plainfield Central. Could she top 12'7" plus barrier before the outdoor season?
Skoczylas did not compete in many indoor meets last year but yet she was still able to clear 12 feet and later take third in the 3A state final. The naturally talented Skoczylas got her start in gymnastics and is very accomplished. It's possible that she may pursue that realm in college. But in the meantime look for her pile on more PBs throughout the winter.
We have mentioned the iconic pole vault club or better known as an enterprise- The Flying Dragons. Head coach Mike Cockerham and his crew produce and mentor so many great athletes. The national level tumbling athlete Binder could be the next great one up. She got a taste of the national spotlight at New Balance Nationals Indoor with a seventh place finish (10'11.75") in a loaded field. That great experience led to a winning effort at the Top Times 1A competition. Binder cleared 12 feet there and the ceiling is the limit for the reigning outdoor state champ.
Expect things to be as competitive as last season with the next-level rise from Mya Strahm. The sophomore from Elmwood cleared the elusive 13-foot barrier late last month at a competition in Texas. If that is not a major firing shot at the entire state of Illinois, we don't know what is. Strahm has competed in other events in the sport at a state championship level, but it may appear she may concentrate on something that has national elite implications.
Honorable mention: Chelsea Wetzel (Jr., Dunlap), Natalie Papes (Sr., New Lenox Providence Catholic), Joscelyn Dieckman (Sr., Dekalb), Libby Saloga (Sr., Aurora Rosary), Brooklyn Kondritz (So., Mt. Zion), Tia Brennan (Sr., Burlington Central), Reagan Gibson (Jr., Shabbona Indian Creek), AJ Burk (Sr., Lake Zurich), Josie Gates (Jr., Lake Villa Lakes), Payton Carter (Jr., St. Joseph-Ogden), Alondra Ortiz-Silva (Sr., Bloomington), Nicole Grimes (Sr., Lisle Benet Academy), Linden Neposchlan (Sr., Springfield), Teagan Johnson (Jr., Seneca), Alexa Weter (So., Mt. Zion). Claudia Ifft (Bloomington ?)