USD junior Buell leaps to a national title

University of South Dakota pole vaulter Bethany Buell took off down the runway on her last attempt at 14 feet, 7.25 inches on Friday night knowing she’d be an NCAA Division I national champion if she cleared the bar. Before the meet, her pole vault coach Derek Miles spoke of his All-American’s ability to channel energy and concentration at big meets. Once again confirming that, she aimed the extra adrenaline upward, clearing a height no other jumper could clear on a memorable night for the junior at historic Hayward Field in Eugene, Ore. “I tried to stay calm,” Buell said of the moments before the title-winning vault. “I said a little prayer for calmness and strength. I tried to keep it in perspective – it wasn’t going to be the end of the world if I didn’t make it. It was time to relax, have fun and see how it was going to work out for me.” Buell entered the meet with the highest mark nationally at 14-7.5 but she hit that height in late March, before tearing ligaments in her shoulder. There was a point shortly after the injury when it appeared likely she would not be able to complete the season. After receiving medical clearance to continue vaulting – while coping with the pain – Buell and coaches Lucky Huber and Miles, as well as the USD training staff, mapped out a strategy that they hoped would permit her to salvage her season with another trip to the national meet.  more at argusleader.com