Since the first week of the winter track season, sophomore pole-vaulter, Melissa Purcell, has set personal records, school records, and placed in the top 7 for all meets. She did so well throughout the season that she qualified and competed in the State Meet of Champions this past Saturday in Toms River.

But what is pole vaulting?

“Pole vaulting is a field event, associated with track, where you use a pole to help you get over the cross bar. Each competitor gets three attempts, and if you get over on the first try, you move on,” said Purcell.

While there is no specific pole vaulting coach at Pascack Valley, Purcell works closely with Fair Lawn’s coach Wilson.

“I’ve been training a lot at The Barn, an indoor track facility, where we work out and such. I’ve made a lot of good friends through pole vaulting, and I’m really glad I’m a part of it,” she said.

Purcell originally got into pole vaulting through a couple of her old gymnastics friends, who are now her friends through pole vaulting as well. Gymnasts typically make great pole vaulters and are accustomed to using apparatuses in competition

PV head coach Mr. John Murtaugh had nothing but positive things to say about her.

“Melissa is a first year winter track athlete who is soaring to new heights,” Murtaugh said. “She has made it a far this season, and we’re excited to see if she can improve her 10ft vault this upcoming spring season.”