Brady set for 3A state (FL)

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http://www.heraldtribune.com/apps/pbcs. ... 30410/1006

Brady set for 3A state Mustangs' freshman pole vaulter qualifies.
BY ALAN DELL CORRESPONDENT
EAST MANATEE -- What's love got to do with it?

"Everything," according to Lakewood Ranch High pole vaulter Dana Brady.

The freshman has launched herself into the spotlight because of her passion for the sport.

The 14-year-old is one of only two Lakewood Ranch athletes who qualified for Friday's Class 3A state meet at Winter Park's Showalter Field.

"If you don't love it (vaulting), it's not for you," Brady insisted.

The 5-foot-3, 90-pounder has poured her heart and soul into the sport.

"I love how it feels when you are clearing the bar. It's a blast. It gives you an adrenaline rush, like a roller coaster," Brady said.

Pole vaulting has become a family affair, started by her father, Thad, who is also one of her coaches.

He vaulted at Rhode Island and took an 18-year break from the sport. At age 41, he returned to the vaulting and won the national Masters Championship with a height of 14 feet, 3 inches.

He finished third in last year's competition.

"Watching my dad compete was amazing. I could see all the different angles and all the things he was trying to teach me. I learned a lot and it motivated me," Brady said.

Thad said his daughter is the perfect pupil. Once they came to an agreement that on the track he is her coach and she is the athlete, things worked.

"Dana is very astute. She can pick up what you are telling her quickly and apply it physically," her father said.

"She has a very strong run and a good plant, which are two of the most important keys to vaulting. About 90 percent of vaulting is done before you leave the ground. Once you get into the air, everything is determined."

Dana has proved she can adjust quickly. She grabbed the last qualifying spot at her district meet, where she cleared the bar at eight feet to finish infourth place. At last week's region meet, she tied for second with an 8-6 vault.

Her goal at the state meet is to be a medalist, which she said would take a 9-6 or 9-0. She said both heights are within reach along with the rest of her dreams.

"Some day, I would like to vault for our Olympic team, and by the time I am a senior I want to be vaulting over 12 feet. The state record for females is 12-6," she said.