NJ Meet of Champions Vault

By Mike Moretti
NJ Star Ledger
February 28, 2010

Junior Catherine Shih of Bernards really didn't mind the level of competition in the girls pole vault.

``It definitely elevates me when there are a lot of good jumpers at a meet," said Shih, whose 12-0 was good enough to garner first place in the event on misses. Emily Urciuoli of Clifton, who jumped 12-6 1/2 in the Group 4 meet, also cleared 12-0, as did Kayla Polcari of Ridgewood, a junior.

Urciuoli's 12-6 1/2 was the fourth-best jump in state history and the fifth best in the nation this year.

``All these good vaulters in one place gets me pumped up," Urciuoli said.  "It gets my adrenaline flowing and helps me jump better."

``I thought 12-6 would win it. Emily is  great jumper," Shih said. "She's been close to 12-9. She was basically over the bar at 12-6 on her last jump, but the standard prevented her."

Yesterday's 12-0 was the third time Shih has hit the mark. Her next goal to clear is 12-6.

``I want 12-6 and then to go higher. I need to improve on my run," Shih said. ``I want to just keep going at it and work hard in practice during the outdoor season."