The Star Legder
February 28, 2005

Kristen Hafford of Warren Hills improved her personal best by half a foot in winning the pole vault with an effort of 12-0.

Julianne Toto, who defeated Hafford by a foot with a state-best 12-6 at the Group 3 meet last month, was second with an 11-6 -- Hafford's personal best before yesterday.

"That's why I'm so ecstatic," Hafford said. "Going from 11-6 to 12-0, my run felt really good. I've been just driving my knee and remembering all my drills for the entire jump."

Hafford, a junior, said her next goal is 12-6, which she hopes to attempt at the National Scholastic Championships on March 10 at the 168th Street Armory in New York.

"The good thing today was I tried not to think about it. If I do and sit around, it makes me more nervous," Hafford said.