Ally Simmons grew up a Michigan fan. “Fourth or fifth grade,” the Fairless High School pole vaulter recalls when she first followed the Wolverines. “My grandma is a Michigan fan and my uncle, he’s from Michigan.” Loyalties will shift south now. It won’t be difficult for the reigning Division II state champion and her family. Simmons has made a verbal commitment to attend Ohio State. She will sign her national letter of intent Wednesday. A three-time state qualifier and Stark County girls pole vault record holder, Simmons chose Ohio State ahead of Cincinnati and Louisville. “I really, really like the track team and their coaches were all really super, super nice,” Simmons said. “The pole vault coach just came out of retirement from his job. He’s a full-time volunteer, so he’ll be traveling with the team. “And just being at the best school in Ohio overall.”
Simmons certainly has a familiarity with the pole vault pit at Jesse Owens Memorial Stadium. Her crowning achievement there came last June when she cleared a county-record 12 feet, 5 1/2 to become Fairless’ first OHSAA girls state champion. more
