Oakdale pole vaulter Jackie McNulty reacts after clearing the bar set at 12 feet, 9 inches during the Don Boyer Invitational at Middletown High School Saturday afternoon.
MIDDLETOWN, MD — Jackie McNulty’s pole vault very much remains a work in progress, which is both exhilarating for her and demoralizing for those who have to compete against her.
At Saturday’s Don Boyer Invitational, the Oakdale junior put the new turn at the top of her vault to its first real test.
The slow arrival of spring weather limited what she was able to do in practice. Previously, she went over the bar the unconventional way, feet first with her back facing the ground, yet still managed to set a state record (12 feet, 7 inches) during the indoor season.
On Saturday, with a turn that is still far from polished, McNulty notched a new personal record (12-9) to win the girls pole vault at the ninth running of the Boyer Invitational. She is just an incredible athlete,” Oakdale girls coach Chris Lewis said. “The thing is, she has so much potential still.” more
