MADISON – Later this month, Abe Gertler of Madison and Mike Benz of Chester are going to see the musical group Aer in Philadephia. They might consider seeing the blockbuster movie “Gravity,” too. Last week, Gertler and Benz took to the air and defied gravity in the greatest pole vaulting competition in state history. On Saturday, March 2, Gertler and Benz were among the five competitors who cleared 15 feet at the NJSIAA boys’ indoor track Meet of Champions at the Bennett Center in Toms River. Benz, a senior at Delbarton, won the crown while Gertler, a senior at Madison High School, tied for second. “It was cool to be part of,” Gertler said. “New Jersey’s been getting better with the vault in the last 10 years and it’s turning into a powerhouse state. “It’s not quite where Texas is, but it’s probably in the top 10.” Last week, Gertler joined the competition by clearing 14 feet but needed two tries to go over 14-6. Then he matched his personal-best mark of 15 on his first attempt, tying his Morris County record in the process.
‘So Pumped’
At the same time, Benz was having the meet of his life, clearing five straight heights on his first attempt – 13, 13-6, 14, 14-6 and a personal-best 15. “After Mike cleared it, he just exploded,” Gertler said. “He was running around, hugging everyone – he was so pumped. “At that point, I knew I could do it, too. It was just a matter of executing correctly and not making any mistakes I did at 14-6.” After Gertler matched Benz, five competitors remained and the bar was raised to 15-6. On his second try, Gertler had his hips above the bar but caught it with his trail leg on the way down. “I was a little cockeyed in the air – not straight enough,” Gertler said. “I was pretty happy, though. I came really close, so I knew I could do it on my next try.” Gertler didn’t come close on his final attempt – and none of the others did, either. Benz won the title with no misses, while Gertler and Old Tappan’s Luke Annichiarico shared the silver. “If I made 15 feet on my first attempt, I figured I’d have a good shot at the meet,” Gertler said. “I never thought I’d need to make 14-6 on my first attempt, too. “If I was going to lose to anyone, I’m glad it was Mike,” he added. “We’re both at 15 now, so it’s great to be on the same level.”
Aiming High
Gertler expects the competition to get even better this spring. He’s aiming for 15-6, with an eye to equal the state record of 16 feet posted by Robbinsville’s Craig Hunter in 2013. “I think we’re going to see some even bigger heights this spring,” Gertler said. “I’d like to be one of the kids moving up.” source
