SPRING LAKE, MI — Allie LeRoux is trying to reach new heights. The Spring Lake senior hopes to become both the 2014 Division 2 state champion and record holder in the pole vault. LeRoux has already accomplished two feats in the young 2014 season. She set a personal best in the long jump at 15 feet, 10½ inches and cleared 11-6 for the top spot in the pole vault at the Grand Valley State University Laker Challenge on March 20. Her previous best long jump was 15-6½. “I’ve always been a sprinter,” LeRoux said. “It’s something I’ve always done and I’m probably one of the three fastest girls in the school. (Spring Lake girls track and field) coach (Gera) Peel just threw me into the long jump because we didn’t have any other jumpers.” Along with trying for the Division 2 state vault record of 12 feet, LeRoux will compete in the 100-meter dash and the 4×100 relay.”I started thinking about (the pole vault record) in my junior year,” LeRoux said, “but a lot more this season. GVSU was just the beginning of a whole new workout plan. I’m counting on this season to see if I can place myself higher in the rankings. “It’s been a lot more hard work, more working out and putting effort into all of the events and not just the vault.” more
