Hins Siblings Article (ND)

[rainbowgirl28]

http://www.bismarcktribune.com/articles ... /spt02.txt

Hazen siblings excel in pole vault
By MICHAEL WEBER, Bismarck Tribune
Hazen pole-vaulter Sarah Hins didn't have to look far for a positive influence to emulate.

That influence is not only a two-time state Class B boys champion, but he happens to live in the same house.

Hazen senior Chris Hins, who is Sarah's older brother, won state pole vault championships in 2003 and 2004 and continues to excel in that event this season. He soared 14 feet on April 23. Meanwhile, Sarah, a petite 5-foot sophomore, is emerging as one of the top girls' pole-vaulters in Class B. She wrapped up a second straight trip to the state meet with a personal-best 9-foot vault on April 16.


"I started (pole-vaulting) when I was a seventh-grader and it was because of Chris," she said. "He was so good at it and it looked like something I could do ... and be good at, too. So far, it's been going real well."

Sarah has been reaching new heights in the event since her seventh-grade year. She went as high as 6-9 that first spring, and 7-6 as an eighth-grader. Last year, she went 8-6 ... several times.

"I was at 8-6 for a lot of the season, but I couldn't get higher," she said. "So I was really happy when I made nine feet. That was my goal for April."

Hazen coach Leland Opp wasn't surprised that Sarah wanted to follow in the footsteps of her brother. Nor is he surprised by the progress she's made. He sees several similarities between sister and brother.

"They both have the speed -- they're sprinters -- and have that spring in their step," he said. "They're good athletes and very acrobatic. It seems natural for them to be pole-vaulters. It's an event they work hard at it and they thrive in it."

Sarah said her involvement in gymnastics has proven to be beneficial in the pole vault.

"A lot of pole-vaulting is upper body strength, coordination and flexibility and it's the same with gymnastics," she said.

Sarah said her brother has been very helpful through the years.

"He's always watching my technique, giving me advice," she said. "He's a state champion, so he knows what he's talking about. He's also keeps me focused and I need that because sometimes I get frustrated with myself and I lose my focus. He helps me get on track mentally."

There is some pressure that goes with being the sibling of one of the state's top athletes, but Sarah has taken it in stride.

"Early on, there was some pressure, but not anymore," she said. "Chris does his thing and I do mine. The main thing to me is I'm getting better at it. That's what any athlete hopes to do."

Sarah said her goals for the rest of this season are to go at least 9-6, and place at the state meet. As of last weekend, she was one of eight Class B vaulters to clear the nine-foot mark.

She hopes to eventually sail over the 10-foot mark, which is the school record and a height only two Class B girls -- and two Class A girls -- have conquered this season. Bottineau's Kelsey Aide -- the defending state champion -- and Abbey Aide are currently sitting 1-2 among Class B qualifiers, with efforts of 11 and 10 feet, respectively. Kelsey Aide set a state record last year with a vault of 11-6.

"Ten feet is a big deal because not many girls have done that," Sarah said. "If I keep working, I think I can do it. If not this year, then maybe sometime in the next two."

Chris has confidence in his little sister.

"She's doing great ... There's a lot she needs to do, but she's on the right track," he said. "Someday she will go 10 feet. That's my goal for her."

Chris, who had a winning vault of 13-9 in both the 2003 and 2004 state meets, is one of two Class B pole-vaulters this season to reach the 14-foot mark (Dickinson Trinity's Andy Murphy is the other at 14-3). However, his final season didn't start well at all. He went 11 feet in his first meet, and "no-heighted" in each of the next two. Then, he got off his 14-foot vault.

"I just had a rough time getting started. It was frustrating, but it all came together in my last meet," Chris said. "Hopefully, I have it down now."

Chris, who has a personal-best vault of 14-3, has set some lofty goals this season -- the state record, which is 14-7 set by Scott Carlblom of Lisbon in 2001; 15 feet, and of course, a third straight state championship.

"It's my senior year and I'd like to go out in a big way," he said.

3 NOTES: The Hins siblings and the Hazen track and field teams will compete in the Shiloh Christian Invitational Saturday at the Community Bowl. Other teams include Shiloh Christian, Garrison-Max, Standing Rock, Ashley, New Salem, Sheridan County, Medina, Killdeer, Napoleon, Hazelton-Moffit-Braddock, Glen Ullin-Hebron, Dickinson Trinity, Watford City, Center-Stanton, Underwood-Turtle Lake-Mercer, Hettinger, South Heart-Belfield, Grant County, Lisbon, Flasher, Wishek, Richardton-Taylor, New Town, Dakota Oyate, Prairie Learning Center and the St. Mary's JV. The meet is scheduled to begin at 10:30 a.m