GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – Height has never been an issue for Sarah Birkmeier. After all, the Michigan State University redshirt junior is one of the best pole vaulters in the country this season. But the Rockford native – who set her career best last week with a leap of 13 feet, 7 1/4 inches – said she could be even better if she grew a few inches. “I haven’t grown since I was in ninth grade. So I guess I’ve been disappointed for the last seven years,” she said with a laugh. “So the chance of me growing is zero.”Birkmeier’s 5-foot-3 stature hasn’t seemed to be an issue. She was a three-time state champion in the pole vault at Rockford and holds the high school state record with a leap of 13-1. Birkmeier topped her PR at MSU by a stunning two inches at the Spartan Invitational on April 5. “I was extremely happy,” she said. “I had gotten to the point where I thought ‘maybe I’ve just peaked. Maybe 13-5 is just it. So getting this PR is just amazing. Two inches higher … there’s more to come. I’ve got a lot of confidence now.” more
