TUPELO – Tupelo High senior pole vaulters Callie Watson and Ashton Huey have specific heights they’re shooting for this season.
The two inched closer to achieving their marks as they won their events during Thursday’s 43rd annual Daily Journal Relays at the THS football stadium.
Watson, who has a goal of 12 feet, was disappointed with her winning vault of 9 feet. Last year’s 6A state runner-up at 11-feet, she missed on three attempts at 9-6 in the Relays.
“I’m frustrated because I’m not quite there,” Watson said. “The weather has set us back. Hopefully, I’ll get more practice.
“Thinking about where I am, I think I’ll peak at the right time.”
Watson is the Relays record holder with a vault of 10-2 last season.
Huey, who placed third overall last season at the state meet, recorded a winning vault of 12-6 on his second attempt.
His goal is to vault 14-2, which would qualify him to compete in this year’s New Balance Nationals.
“With pole vaulting it’s all about getting the numbers right,” he said. “You have to have the right pole, the right run and grip.”
Some college coaches have talked to Huey about competing in the multi-event decathlon or heptathlon.
“It would be fun to try,” he said.
