By: Marissa Harris ‘22

Coaches and members of the Sherwood track team have been anticipating a pole vault center at the school, but the construction has been put on hold indefinitely as a result of issues with resources. As a result, the Eastern part of the country will continue to not have a single pole-vault center. 

This development means that Sherwood’s one pole vaulter, sophomore Katie Kaneko, will have to continue to train more than a half-hour away at Gaithersburg High School. “I was extremely upset when I learned that there was not going to be a new pole vaulting addition to Sherwood, because it would’ve made my life so much easier to be able to pole vault instead of having to go to Gaithersburg,” said Kaneko. 

Pole vaulting in MCPS has been overlooked for some time, and it is hard to get athletes to participate in the event when few schools have the resources. Poles are not one-size fits all and have different lengths, depending on how high the vaulter can vault and the vaulter’s own height. In addition, the least expensive pole begins at $245. 

“If a vaulter is heavier than the flex weight of the pole, they can’t vault unless they can find a pole that can handle their weight,” long-time track coach Dan Reeks explained.

Having to practice off-site creates a number of obstacles. “It will continue to be difficult for athletes on the East side of the county to get to Gaithersburg since many of them either don’t drive, or don’t have access to transportation. They also need to be at Gaithersburg between 3 and 3:30 p.m. on practice days,” Reeks added. 

Kaneko travels to Gaithersburg once a week and additionally on Sundays to D.C. to get another workout in for pole vaulting. In her first season of pole vaulting, her personal best was 7’3” last spring at regionals. Kaneko’s goal for this season is to clear 8 feet by states. 

“Pole vaulting has become something I am incredibly passionate about. Flying through the air is exhilarating, and I’ve found something that I look forward to everyday. I’ve felt myself become physically stronger because of pole vaulting, and I’m honored that I’m able to represent Sherwood in such a unique and uncommon sport,” said Kaneko.