South Lyon pole vaulters dedicated to their trade (MI)

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South Lyon pole vaulters dedicated to their trade

By Nathan Mueller
STAFF WRITER

Most of the South Lyon High School track and field team had gone home for the day, resting for their meet the next day. But nestled in the corner of the field, a group of about 10 pole vaulters continued to practice.

One by one they went down the runway toward the pit with their pole in hand. Some launched themselves into the air while others worked on their timing. The only time they stopped was when the National Anthem played for the start of the boys lacrosse game.

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They were back to work as soon as it ended, stopping about 30 minutes later as 6 p.m. approached.

"Pole vaulters are a close knit family," said pole vaulting coach Rance Teeple. "This is the best group I have coached as far as being energetic and having a great working ethic goes."

But energy and work ethic do not always translate into success for pole vaulters. There is one mental obstacle that outweighs them both â€â€