Senior pole vaulter defies gravity

By Jill Lira

May 09, 2006

Many students enter high school with high ambitions to succeed athletically. To advance to the varsity level, to capture first place and to break records become the focus for many athletes. When student athletes achieve two out of the three, most feel rewarded. However, for varsity senior pole vaulter Matt Runyan, who had already clinched first place on multiple occasions, he wanted to accomplish one of his higher level personal goals, which meant breaking the school record in pole vault.

He achieved his goal on March 31. Runyan launched 13'1" in pole vault. The old record had been 13' held by Dennis Anderson since 1986.

"It felt good to break the school record because that had been my goal ever since I was a freshman," explained Runyan.

Most recently, Runyan has been joined in record breaking by junior Marty Pfannenstiel, who broke the high hurdle record with a new time of 14.8 and sophomore Sara Wetzel in long jump with a 16' 7.5" jump.

Runyan's achievement made him realize high school, in general, is almost over.

Like many students at Silver Lake High School, Runyan has participated in sports all four years. Since his freshman year, he has participated in cross country, basketball and track.

Runyan now partakes in pole vault, runs the 4x100 relay and the 4x400 relay. He also runs the 200m.

Kelly Lampe, head track coach, has guided Runyan all four years in track and cross country. He feels that Runyan has done the work necessary to reach his goals.

"Matt has been very committed to improving himself. He very much wants to be successful and is willing to do what it takes to reach his goals," Lampe stated.

Lampe also commented on how he felt after an athlete breaks a record.

"I feel happy for the athlete, especially if the record has been achieved with discipline and work ethic," Lampe explained.

Out of all the activities he has participated in, Runyan feels that track has been the most fulfilling.

"I am most proud of my track experience because I can set personal goals for myself and get a greater sense of accomplishment when I meet them," stated Runyan.

Like all great athletes, Runyan does not let his previous experiences affect his upcoming vault.

"When I compete, I am completely focused on the next attempt and not on the previous vault," Runyan stated.

While participating in track, Runyan missed out on playing baseball.

"If there was another activity I could have participated in, I would have done baseball. I played summer baseball until junior high. When I watch games now, I miss playing," explained Runyan.

Being a senior means change. Runyan has decided to attend Kansas State University and major in architectural engineering. He does not plan on participating in track, as of now, but he does plan on asking the coaches about walk-ons.

Lampe stated that Runyan has a better chance than most to succeed in college athletics due to his determination.

"The next level is a great leap. Matt works very hard and that will give him a chance," Lampe commented.

Runyan has already set another goal for the end of the year. He intends to reach 14' 6".

"This is my ultimate goal because this is the league record, and I would like to break another record before I graduate," Runyan commented.

Joined by most seniors, he is hesitant to leave high school.

"I have mixed feelings about being a senior. I will miss my friends and the fun we've had," commented Runyan, "but I am also looking forward to the next phase of my life in college."

Runyan will miss high school, but at the same time, he is happy to be moving forward.

"I will miss knowing the people I am in class with. It will be strange having to meet a completely new group of people," explained Runyan.

Just like his peers, he has his fears about attending college.

"I am most scared of not knowing anyone at college," commented Runyan.

However, Runyan has realized that college will open many doors.

"I am looking forward to college mainly because of all the opportunities college offers," Runyan stated.