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Mandie Rowell (Santa Margarita, Rancho SM) answers some questions

Mandie Rowell (Santa Margarita, Rancho SM) was among the nation's top young Pole Vaulters back in 2001, with a 12-00 clearance that marked her as the =#4 sophomore in the entire U.S. that season, as the event really took off during its early development. We missed Mandie during her junior year as reported below, but she is back as a senior with a good start to her final prep season at the PV Summit in Reno, Nevada in January, and an 11-06.5 clearance for 6th at the LA Indoor Meet in February. She is a fine all-around athlete for her school's fine program, with her choice of the University of Utah as a site to continue her education and athletic career. With most athletes who take a sport seriously during their entire high school career having usually at least one season for one reason or another injury affected, it is nice to see the Orange County star looking forward to a good senior season. With the LA Indoor meet topped by Kira Costa's new National Indoor Record of 13-04.5 and everyone ahead of Mandie at that meet over at least 12-00.5, it will be a great year in the Vault!!

1) Thoughts about track and field as you head into your senior year?

1. I'm very excited about getting back into track and improving my marks and helping the team win CIF

2) Missed you during 2002 outdoor season, what was the story?

2. I hurt tore up my ankle during the summer of my sophomore year. The Doctors thought it was a bad sprain but it never healed and they later found out that the ligaments were torn. I tried to jump at the LA Invitational in 2002 but could barely run and decided to have surgery. Thats why I missed all of my junior year.

3) Describe the LA Indoor PV competition for yourself--

3. The competition was great. Some of the girls looked like they were in mid-season form. It made me realize just how hard I need to work to catch-up. I also felt much more confident than I did in Reno and my jumps got better as the competition progressed.

4) Talk about the Pole Vault Summit and its importance to the start of the year for Pole Vaulters?

4. I was really nervous since this was my 1st competion in over 18 months. It was a big relief to just jump 11'2". This was also my 1st ever Pole Vault Summit and I was very impressed at how many good jumpers were there. As an aside, I was an Elite Gymnast up until I started High School and I had never ran track or jumped before. I have also been a 4 year Varsity Cheerleader at Santa Margarita. Cheer season starts in August and ends in early April which doesn't leave much time for track.

5) Some of your goals for the coming season in different events?

5. I'd like to jump 13' in the Pole Vault and maybe 37' or 38' in the triple jump. I'm also going to run the 100 hurdles. I ran 16.0 as a freshman but I have no idea what I can do now.

6) Background to your college choice (University of Utah)?

6. I was kind of suprised there was that much interest considering I hadn't jumped since my sophomore year ( I went on recruiting trips to Nebraska, Kansas and Utah this past fall). I was also interested in UCLA and San Diego State but I really want to see what its like outside of California. In the end Utah made a great offer and I really liked Mike LoBue (Utah's Vault Coach) and their facilities. I signed early to take some of the pressure off and allow me to enjoy my senior year.

7) What advice would you have for beginning Pole Vaulters or those who are attempting a couple of different event areas such as yourself.

7. Sometimes I wonder how well I could have jumped if I just concentrated on Pole Vault and didn't cheer, but everything has worked out well and I'm happy I had the opportunity to do so many things in school (cheer nationals, etc). I think you should do as many events as you can to improve your athleticism and help your team score points. Once I get to Utah I will be able to just focus on the Vault and really see what I can do. I also realize that more than any other event, Pole Vault requires a great coach if you want to be competitive. I feel very fortunate to work with Kevin Magula.

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