Albany athlete aims for Austin honors
Senior Caroline Masters has her work cut out for her this Saturday.
The diminutive 4-foot 9-inch pole vaulter is headed to the UIL State Track and Field Meet for the second time, setting the lofty goal to end up on the medals stand this time.
Masters placed seventh last year with a jump of 10 feet. She is taking in a personal record of 10-6 this year and is tied for third place based on the qualifying regional jumps.
Masters is again advancing as the second place medalist out of Region 1-2A.
The 2A girls pole vault is set for 10:30 a.m. Saturday at Mike Meyers Stadium on the campus of the University of Texas. Tickets are $12 for the session or $20 for an all-day Saturday pass. All 2A, 4A, and 6A competition is scheduled for Saturday, with field events in the morning session and running finals starting at 5:30 p.m..
“The competition is pretty tight this year,” pole vault coach Rod Britting said. “Last year we were there and glad to make it, but this year it’s time to medal.”
Based on regional qualifying jumps, Masters is coming in to the meet tied for third behind a 12-5 jump from a Woodsboro girls in Region 4 and a 12-0 height from a Crawford girl in Region 3.
Girls track coach Lauren Peacock said that Masters has an advantange this year.
“The state meet is a huge stage, but Caroline has been before and knows what the pressure is like,” Peacock said. “She should have the upper hand over girls who haven’t qualified before because she understands the atmosphere. The goal this time around is to get on the medals stand.”
Britting said that while there are two 12-foot jumpers and several contestants who have been to 10-6, Masters has worked hard all year and is very well prepared.
“You never know what can happen in pole vault,” he said. “Sometimes people who have been the highest get to the state meet and no-height. Caroline is pretty solid in controlling her jumps right now, and I don’t see her losing her composure since she went last year.”
Rain has been in the forecast for the Austin area, but Britting said that light rain isn’t a real problem as long as there is no lightning.
“There could be some postponements if the weather is bad, which always heightens the emotions,” said the coach.
Masters said she is excited to be returning to Austin.
“I set a goal at the beginning of the year to get back to state this year for another shot,” she said. “I never expected to be the only one from Albany to compete, which will be a new experience for me.”
The Lions and Lady Lions have sent a bigger group to the state for a number of years. The boys mile relay was close to advancing again as the alternate at the regional contest.
