Tevyn Waddell got to go out on top. The future University of Minnesota swimmer — who will compete in the Olympic trials in June — added a pole vault state title to her resume after a second place finish a year ago.
At Friday’s Class AA state meet in Sioux Falls, Waddell jumped 11 feet, 3 inches to take gold.
“Warmups went really well, and then I think what really helped today is that I didn’t have any misses until I went completely out,” Waddell said.
Waddell dialed in, whereas the best of the rest needed a third jump at times to clear a height. That means Waddell had mastery over the details, any number of which — if looked over or flubbed — might derail a vault.
“Pole vault is definitely a sport where if you’re a little off or have a little mistake, it will ruin your whole jump,” Waddell said. “I just usually rely on my coaches with that — with what I need to do.”
With the rest of the field stuck at 10 feet, 9 inches, Waddell pushed past 11 feet. This year, there would be no second place.
“It does put a nice cap on it. Sadly, today was my last meet pole vaulting,” Waddell said. “It would have been harder to put down if I hadn’t won the state title.”
Waddell’s future may be in the pool, but her penchant for high achievement has left its mark in another sport.