Woods Vaults Come Up Short At State Track Meet

Zack Woods came up short at the state track meet, but the McDonald County High School sophomore pole vaulter said he will come back and do better in the coming two years.

Woods cleared 12-6 to finish in 14th place out the 16 vaulters who qualified for the Missouri Class 4 State Track and Field Championships held May 26-27 at Jefferson City High School.

"It was an awesome experience," Woods said of the state track meet. "I am a little disappointed, but I am thankful just to be here. I want to get better and come beat them all next year. I got a new 14-foot pole today and hopefully I can get on it this summer."

Woods missed his first attempt at the opening height of 12-6, but easily cleared on his next try. With the bar set at 13-0, Woods missed on all three tries, not really coming close on any of his attempts.

"He was extremely nervous," said Cody Hobbs, the MCHS vaulting coach. "He should have gotten over 13-0, but he didn't. He usually clears 13-0 at every practice, but just couldn't put it together today. Hopefully he will come back next year a little stronger and a little taller and that will make it easier to get on a bigger pole."

Luke Woodall of Pleasant Hill High School cleared 15-0 to take first place. Ian Richmond of Kirksville was second at 14-3 followed by Corey Sellers of Festus (14-0), Harrison Huhn of Carl Junction (14-0), Bryce Bearden of Carl Junction (14-0), Nolan Bone of Liberty (13-6) and Jacob Laures (13-6) of Platte County to round out the top seven.

Four vaulters cleared 13-0, but Gavin McDonald of Pacific took the eighth on fewer misses to earn the final state medal. Five vaulters cleared 12-6, including Woods who finished in the middle of those five based on misses.

"We are real proud of Zack getting here," said head track coach Bruce Stancell. "It is a great accomplishment just to get to state. This is a great experience for him and gives him something to build on for the next two years."

The state championships served as Stancell's final meet as coach. He is retiring from teaching and coaching, which included 25 years as head track coach at MCHS.