By Joby Faucett
Scranton Times Tribune
SHIPPENSBURG May 30, 2004-- Taking a calculated risk, Joe LaBarbera almost saw his dream of a PIAA medal in the pole vault vanish.
Entering the event at 13-feet, 6-inches, LaBarbera never got airborne and missed on his first two attempts. Realizing he had no margin for error, he then stopped short of the plant box on his third attempt. Finally, buoyed by strong encouragement from the fans, LaBarbera got underway.
After getting up to speed on the runway, he planted the pole, gained altitude and cleared the bar as if the first two attempts had never happened.
Confidently, he continued to soar,with his 14-6 effort earned him a PIAA Class AA silver medal, Friday, at the Track and Field Championships at Seth Grove Stadium.
"I just couldn't feel my legs," LaBarbera said. "I've been to big meets before, but I was so excited. I can't help it.
"I just tried to have fun, but I couldn't stop breathing 80 miles per hour." |
|
 |
