At the start of her freshman year, Jennifer Kistemaker, 12th grade, knew she wanted to graduate knowing she accomplished something. For four years, she worked hard day after day to accomplish her goal. “I trained at least six times a week, and on top of that I was going to the gym at least three times a week.” Jennifer said. “I have also been vaulting for about six years.” Jennifer made school history over the weekend by scoring first place in the state competition for girl’s pole vaulting.

“I am happy for her and all the work she had put in for these last four years.” Said Coach Eagleson, track and field advisor.
“It truly was exciting to see how God used all of my hard work to win,” Jennifer said, “and my hard work surely paid off with a win.”
Jennifer was not the only one going to states. Ayden Marrullier, 12th grade, also advanced to the state competition and took sixth place in the boys’ competition for pole vaulting as well; however, he will not advance to any further competitions.
“Pole vaulting is when you use a long flexible pole to jump over a high bar to see how high you can get, and if you are able to make it over the bar.” Jennifer said. “The poles are either made of steel or fiber glass and can reach as high as about seven to eight feet.”
According to Coach Eagleson, due to the fact that Jennifer is a senior, this will be her last high school competition in pole vaulting. Luckily for Jennifer, competition season will start up again in a new setting. “I am going to be on the University of Florida track and field team as well.”