Taking a redshirt year was one of Stephanie Foster’s best decisions. The pole vaulter would not be in a position of possibly becoming Walsh University’s first NCAA Division II national champion if she didn’t. Foster’s postseason starts at this weekend’s GLIAC Indoor Track and Field Championships in Hillsdale, Mich. The senior from Lodi has the second-best women’s vault in the nation (13 feet, 5 1/4 inches). “I just hope I can do my best and however it turns out, it turns out,” Foster said. “Hopefully, that will put me on top. If it doesn’t, I’m still going to be happy no matter how it works out as long as I’m doing my best.” Foster redshirted in 2013 when Walsh was finishing its transition to NCAA Division II and a national berth was not possible. She competed unattached from the Cavaliers in meets to keep her remaining year of eligibility. “I had to pay on my own to go to the meets and was able to do my own thing,” Foster said. “One of my friends was able to coach me a little, and it was more to stay in shape.” Foster put herself on a fast track to this year’s national meet after she rejoined Walsh. She automatically qualified in January when she hit 13-1 1/2 at the Youngstown State Invitational. Her 13-5 1/4 came a week later at the SPIRE Midwest Open. The heights have slightly dropped this month, but Foster still was able win at last week’s Kent State Tune-Up. “The past couple of meets I haven’t been doing my best, but it’s a good way to work up into the conference meet and nationals,” Foster said. “I’ve been working with my coaches and planning for that.” Foster will be challenged at the GLIAC meet. In fact, she won’t go into it as the favorite. more
