Senior Tyler Proffitt’s gold medal in the pole vault topped Hillsboro’s accumulation of five medals at the Class 3A State Track and Field Championships Friday and Saturday in Wichita. “I am extremely proud of our results this weekend,” coach Dennis Boldt said. “We brought home five medals, set new personal records and came back with a state champion.” After placing fifth a year ago, Proffitt stepped into this year’s competition Friday morning with a mind set on a high finish. “He was not settling for anything less than a championship,” Boldt said. Proffitt took a bit of gamble by sitting out of the competition until the height reached 13 feet. But he cleared it easily. “You have to admire the guy’s courage, and he literally was going for it all today,” Boldt said. “He didn’t have a great week of practice, struggling with his vault, but he didn’t let that hinder his performance. He has developed great confidence in his event. He literally won the competition in one jump.” Even though the rest of the field dropped out at 13 feet, Proffitt went on to clear 14 feet as the winning height. He attempted 14-6, but didn’t clear it in three tries. more
