By: Mike McMurran
Sports Editor
Some of the best pole-vaulters in the nation came to Frontier Park on Sunday, July 3rd to compete in a United States Track and Field Sanctioned pole vault competition. “This kind of event is very popular in Europe,” offered event organizer and Francis Howell graduate Mark Aschen, “in Europe the biggest difference is that the runway is set up on the street. That was not possible here, so we improvised and made our runway right next to the Katy Trail.”
Aschen’s brainchild was almost short lived, until he met up the Riverfest’ Executive Committee. “I approached both Fair St. Louis and St. Charles.” Fortunately, for those who attended the event at Frontier Park, the folks from St. Charles responded first.
In addition to Aschen, a two-time All American pole-vaulter from Lindenwood University, the event was somewhat of a homecoming to two Francis Howell graduates. Jeff Hartwig, holder of the American pole-vaulting record, and Kellie Suttle a Division I All American who is presently training for the 2008 Olympics, both returned home to compete in the competition.
The competition was divided into men’s and women’s. It began on time at 3 p.m. Sunday. “By the time we were down to the final two jumpers, there had to be close to, if not over 1000 people watching,” said Aschen. “Hartwig and Daniel Ryland were the two finalist, and they put on quite a show. Ryland, like Suttlle, trains year round for the Olympics. It couldn’t have been better planned. As soon as the competition was completed, the fire works started. Perfect,” boasted Aschen.
Aschen is already working to return the competition to next year’s Riverfest. “I cannot thank the Executive Committee enough. With out their help this never would have ‘gotten off the ground.’” Not a bad sense of humor for a finance major.
