Sophomore vaulter wins district

 

By Anderson Johnson/Editor

 

            For the past four years, he has willingly lived in the shadows of his older sister, Karlyn’s athletic success. On Saturday, April 5, this “way of life” changed for sophomore Kyal Meyers when he won first place as a varsity pole vaulter, resulting in a ride to regionals.

 

            Kyal began pole vaulting for in the middle of seventh grade. Now, only three years later, he is the top pole vaulter in district.

 

            “I was very happy and excited,” Kyal said. “This was my first district win in pole vaulting.”

 

            Not only did Kyal beat senior Taylor Higdon for the first time. He also beat all of the rest of the 17-3A vaulters.

 

            “It felt so good to win district,” Kyal said. “Not to mention I beat my long-time rival from Lorena.”

 

            Kyal said that having strong pole vaulters around him helped him to be better at the “kamikaze type” sport.

 

            “Having Coach Bray and Taylor around has helped me a lot,” Kyal said. “Coach Bray was an all-American pole vaulter, and Taylor is a good role- model for me.”

 

            Although Kyal said there are many rewards in track, he also admitted that there were some negatives as well.

 

            “Getting shin splints and blisters on my hands is never fun,” Kyal said. “But, I wouldn’t change anything because I’m going to do whatever it takes to lengthen my winning streak.”

 

            Kyal said there are many things that he has to think about and practice before actually starting his run toward the bar.

 

            “I always ask myself if I got the right pole and go through the motions in my head before I run,” Kyal said. “I’m getting over the bar most of the time on the first attempt, but I still think I need a lot more practice to be ready to compete at the next level.”

 

            Placing first at district proved that Kyal is a strong pole vaulter, but he said he still sometimes doubts himself.

 

             “I’m just trying to stay focused throughout the whole week and get over the bar on every first attempt,” he said.

 

            Kyal said he feels good about winning district and going to regionals as a sophomore, but there are other good things about his experience as a pole vaulter.

 

            “I just love competing at a high level because I’m a very competitive person and love the challenge,” Kyal said. “There is also not a better feeling than free falling after I’ve made it clear over the bar.”

 

            Kyal placed ninth at the Regional meet with a vault of 12’6”.