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Warwick RI – pole vaulter Todd Uckermark can appreciate the heights of success because he knows first-hand the depths of despair. Uckermark was a bonafide contender for a state outdoor championship last year when his season, and his health, took a turn for the worse. Uckermark developed Lyme Disease last spring and the effects took a toll on his body and his confidence. Fresh off a win at the Orange County championships, Uckermark no-heighted at the state qualifier and state championships, and his ensuing efforts at nationals and junior Olympics were sub-par at best, certainly a devastating turn of events. Uckermark worked hard to strengthen his body and shed the negative thoughts that had been festering. He discovered a bit of inner peace, and let his vaulting do his talking. He began to vault very well during club season, and set the Section 9 indoor mark of 16 feet, 9 inches in December. He capped a successful scholastic season with his first state championship and a fourth-place finish at indoor nationals. “I am proud of what I was able to do,” said Uckermark, the Varsity845 boys’ indoor track and field athlete of the year. “To come back from the last outdoor season and jump 16-9, the second-best in state indoor history, and to be able to finally win states and place top-six at nationals “» I was very happy with myself.” more
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