LAUREL — It took what was nearly the final attempt of Alysa Henry’s career to win the girls pole vault championship at the Class A state track and field meet on Thursday evening.
Sidney’s Myka Steinbeisser entered as the favorite and held an advantage in attempts over Belgrade’s Henry as they took aim at 11 feet, 6 inches. Needing to clear the bar on her final attempt, Henry let out screams of jubilation the moment she soared over the bar. Steinbeisser missed her third and final attempt to give Henry her second consecutive pole vault title.
“I’m super pumped,” Henry said after her win. “I have definitely been waiting for this moment since last year at state.”
Henry and Steinbeisser both skipped multiple heights before entering at 10 feet. After each cleared 10-06 on their first attempts, Henry and Steinbeisser were the only two remaining competitors.
Henry relished in the fact that she had the competition with Steinbeisser after last year’s state meet where Steinbeisser no-heighted.
“(This year’s win) was nicer. I had competition. Last time there was a mishap with Myka, so it was really nice I had her to compete with,” Henry said.
Henry’s win is big for the Belgrade girls in the Class A team title race. She is also expected to contribute on the track in both the 110- and 300-meter hurdles, as well as the relays. Entering the meet Belgrade was projected to tie with Dillon according to athletes’ seed marks.
The State A track and field meet gets into full swing Friday morning, starting with the Class A boys pole vault where Sidney’s Garrison Hughes takes aim at historic heights.
