Larry Edwards has taken to pole vault (FL)

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http://tallahassee.com/apps/pbcs.dll/ar ... /804160350

Godby's Edwards has taken to pole vault
BY DOUG BLACKBURN • ASSISTANT SPORTS EDITOR • APRIL 16, 2008

Larry Edwards doesn't mind admitting that the pole vault didn't come naturally.



A Godby High senior, Edwards was introduced to the demanding field event at the end of his sophomore year but didn't begin to take the pole vault seriously until last year.

"I was scared of going upside-down and falling," Edwards said. "It took about five meets to get over that."

Edwards is an all-around standout for the Cougars.

At today's Class 2A regional meet in Jacksonville he'll be competing in the 100-meter high hurdles, the 4x400-meter relay, the triple jump and pole vault. If high school offered a decathlon Edwards would have to be considered a favorite.

Coach Jesse Forbes calls him a natural who works hard. It's easy to understand why.

Edwards didn't participate in the triple jump until last week's district competition, yet he captured fourth place with a leap of 44-foot-10.

He took first place in the pole vault with a 12-6 jump, but that's nowhere near his best at practice. He's cleared 14-0 at Jesse Forbes Field.

"I think I get nervous. I don't complete the jump when I'm in the meets," said Edwards, who plans to attend Florida State in the fall. "I guess it's a mental thing.

"I know I can do it. I'm hoping to get over it at regionals."