By Frank Schweda

Location: Rolling Meadows High School  2901 Central Rd. Rolling Meadows,IL

Time: competition starts @ 4pm

The 2016 edition of the Windy City Pole Vault Summit at Rolling Meadows H.S. looks to be another fun filled meeting of many of the state’s elite vaulters.  Thanks in part to The Athletic Equipment Source and a great group of volunteers this is the 15th anniversary for this unique pole vault only event.  The WCPVS has seen many great vaulters in those 15 years. Some have even gone on to become State Champions, NCAA All-Americans, and even NCAA Champions. 

At the female pit there will be a very competitive group looking for big jumps.  That group includes returning IHSA 2A State Champion Kassadee Ifft from Prairie Central.  She should be pushed by OPRF’s Chisolm Nwoko and Lila Adler from Loyola.  That group has already cleared 12 feet this winter.  Keep an eye on Monticllo sophomore Aliyah Welter (2A State Runner-up) and Savanah Howie from McHenry to push for a top three finish as well.  There will be a slew of ladies trying to improve on their PR’s and add their names to the list of potential All- State vaulters.

On the guys pit the front runners looks to be Zach Bradford from Bloomington H.S. as well as Ryan Ashenbremer and Hunter Whitwood both from Normal West.  Zach jumped 15’10” earlier this year out in Reno, Nevada. Ryan and Hunter also jumped out in Reno - jumping 15 feet and 14’10” respectively. After the Bloomington-Normal trio, a pack of vaulters will be looking to improve on their season bests and move up in the standings.  Brandon Dahl (Crystal Lake Central), Luke Nelson (OPRF), Ethan Koval (Lake Park), and Lucas Weaver (Providence Catholic) lead the chase pack of vaulters trying to clear 15’. 

If you have the weekend off or get done with a meet and what to watch some high energy pole vaulting come by Rolling Meadows’ Fieldhouse this Saturday to watch a great group of competitors.  This is open to the public and FREE!