Gaffey nearly clears 11-4 at Penn Relays

Scranton Times Tribune
BY JOBY FAWCETT STAFF WRITER
04/28/2006

If it weren’t for some bad luck, Amber Gaffey nearly launched herself higher than she’d ever gone before.

Competing at the 112th Penn Relays, the Susquehanna Community High School junior pole vaulter cleared 11-feet, 4-inches on her second attempt, but as she rested on the landing pit, her pole knocked the crossbar from its perch.

A third attempt failed after she built up too much speed and she finished in 10th place with a height of 10-10¼ Thursday at the University of Pennsylvania .

“I was over it,” Gaffey said. “It’s a little disappointing, because I’ve been trying to get that for a long time now. But you know, that happens.

“I’m just going to try and do 11-4 before states.”

Last season, Gaffey finished fifth after clearing 11-0¼ at the Penn Relays before winning the PIAA Class AA championship in the event in late May. At the state championship meet, she won the gold clearing a height of 11-3.

Heading to the Penn Relays, her goal was to clear 11-4. She knows now that height is within her grasp.

“This was a good experience,” Gaffey said. “I almost got my PR (personal record). I gained some confidence knowing that I can get higher.

“It’s there for me.”

Gaffney has a few regular-season meets remaining and will also be participating at the Robert Spagna Lackawanna Track Conference Championship meet on May 11 and the District 2 Class AA championships scheduled for May 16. Both events will be held at Scranton Memorial Stadium.