By MICHAEL BLOUSE
The Express-Times
May 28, 2005
SHIPPENSBURG, Pa. - Sarah Murphy didn't decide to try pole vaulting until several weeks before her senior track and field season started.
"It looked like a lot of fun," she said. "I guess you could say I like flying through the air. I wanted to try it and see if I could do it."
Yes, she's happy she did. And yes, she does it rather well.
Murphy, the District 11 Class AA champion from Bethlehem Catholic High School , made the most of her first trip to the PIAA Track and Field Championships at Shippensburg University 's Seth Grove Stadium.
The No. 10 seed in a 22-girl field came through on her final attempt at 10 feet Friday morning and earned a surprising seventh-place finish.
Other medalists stood a couple steps above Murphy on the podium throughout the first of a two-day event, but none were more excited about their performance.
"I certainly can't complain," Murphy said smiling. "I finished seventh at states in my first year, I broke my personal record and set the school record. I'd say it's a good day."
She came close to clearing 10-6 after finally conquering the elusive 10-foot mark. Three vaulters finished at 10-6 but Murphy needed the most attempts. Susquehanna's Amber Gaffey took the gold at a height of 11-3.
Once Murphy expressed an interest in the event to coach Gary Mohylsky in March, Mohylsky contacted the well-respected Mike of Vertical Assault to request Lawyrk work with Murphy.
Even though it took some time for the former gymnast to become acclimated to the intricacies of pole vaulting, Lawryk said Murphy stayed positive and showed steady improvement. She cleared 8 feet in her first meet of the season and reached 9-6 by the district championships.
"About every two weeks she'd get a little better," Lawyrk said. "We try to teach the basics at first but sometimes we try to teach too much, too fast and they start thinking too much. Once I realized Sarah was as fast as she is, I told her she needed to take advantage of it."
The final result of Murphy's experience - a district championship and state medal - was rewarding for both athlete and coach.
"I really wanted 10 feet. I've done 9-6 my last four meets and I really wanted to do 10 at states," said Murphy, who wants to continue the sport in college at West Chester . "It was really lots of fun this year. I only wish I started sooner."
"I'm a little surprised and very pleased," Lawryk said. "I'm happy for her."
© 2005 Vertical Assault