Ali Lacey article (FL)

[rainbowgirl28]

http://www.bradenton.com/mld/bradenton/ ... 447313.htm

Lacey has blast, headed to state
Lakewood Ranch pole vaulter among qualifying athletes
JOHN LEMBO
Herald Staff Writer
CLEARWATER - Ali Lacey looked like she was trying to win a prize at a carnival. Or trying to catch a wave. Or walking out of her favorite movie.

Every time she attempted a vault during Thursday's Class 3A-Region 3 track and field meet at Clearwater High, Lacey would hit her landing, spring to her feet and laugh. She'd yell at Lakewood Ranch teammate Kristen Fulmer, who was watching from the bleachers. She'd joke with a fellow vaulter. She'd make smalltalk with the judges.

Pressure tends to accompany regional meets, where one subpar performance could cost someone a state berth. Lacey looked about as stressed as a vacationer.

"I have a tendency to overthink pole vault," she said. "So I've learned that staying serious is a bad thing for me."

Apparently, staying cool works just fine. Lacey established a personal best by clearing 10 feet, eight inches to win the regional pole vaulting title and clinch a berth in next week's state meet in Winter Park. Manatee's Chelsea Cowher cleared nine feet to finish second and will join Lacey at the state championships.

"If I just stay light and easy, and just go out there and jump and have fun," Lacey said, "it's a lot easier and makes me a lot better."

Lacey had no idea she was attempting a milestone jump Thursday. In fact, she tought she was gunning for a 10-6. When she landed, someone told her different.

"I got down, and (the judge) was like, 'That was 10-8,' " she said. "(I said) 'Oh, that's good.' "

[rainbowgirl28]

http://www.bradenton.com/mld/bradenton/ ... 532873.htm

Three cheers for Lacey

Ali Lacey, who finished second in the pole vault last week at the FHSSA Track and Field Championships in Winter Park, has made the University of Florida cheerleading team.

She tried out late last month in the middle of the track season.

Lacey, who won a state title in 2005 in weightlifting and finished second this year, was also a varsity cheerleader for the Mustangs. She has a long background in gymnastics and cheerleading.

"It was just something I wanted to do," said Lacey, after competing Friday. "We found out when tryouts (were), went up there, I tried out and I made it."

Lacey has to go back for a week in July for practice.