Powell, OH–John Schultz of the Olentangy Liberty High School boys track and field team would love to be mentioned in the same breath as the three Uhle brothers, who combined for two Division I state pole vault championships and two runner-up finishes from 2007-11.
But even after Schultz cleared 14 feet in the pole vault to cap Liberty’s Freedom Relays on April 25, he could only smile sheepishly at the mention of continuing the Patriots’ strong vaulting tradition.
“Oh gosh, they’re so much better than me,” Schultz said. “I don’t deserve to be at their level. They’ve gone 17 feet, maybe 18 by now. I’ve been working forever just to get 14 feet.”
Schultz cleared 14-0 moments after Westerville Central’s Tommy Mansfield appeared to do the same, only to have the bar bounce in the air off its supports, disallowing the try. On the strength of Ryan Jones’ 13-0 vault and Cameron Cook’s effort of 12-6, the Patriots won that event (39-6) and finished third overall (75 points) of eight teams behind champion Hilliard Davidson (92). more
