Apr 21, 2018 4 min read

McMURRAY – Waynesburg High School pole vaulter Will Behm doesn’t have much competition within the section.

In fact, Behm doesn’t have any other than teammate Daniel Layton because there are no other vaulters in the Raiders’ section.

So when Behm did have competition for one of the first times this season at the Washington-Greene County Coaches Track Meet Saturday at Peters Township High School, he made sure to not let that opportunity go to waste.

Setting a personal best, Behm vaulted his way to first place by clearing 14-8, more than three-and-a-half feet better than the rest of the field.

“It was definitely a good day,” Behm said. “I think I’ve had jumps like this coming for a while. My technique is really coming together. I’m happy but not content. I could have jumped 15 or 15 1/2 feet today.”

The senior admitted his athleticism compared to opponents at other competitions, specifically at the WPIAL and PIAA championship level, might not be equal, but he plans on making up for it with a commitment to perfect his technique.

“I’m kind of a feen about the technical aspect,” Behm said. “A lot of the guys, and I knew that I’m going to have big competition at states this year, are big tall, strong and can jump. But I think that I can out-technique them. I’ve been training at West Virginia University and have been intensely working on my technique. I think I can jump 16 or 16 1/2 if I do the right things and train the way I have been.”

Behm finished ninth in the state last season, missing the podium by one spot. He vaulted 13-6 in that event.

Higham has solid day

Fort Cherry senior Nate Higham wasn’t thrilled with how he performed until setting a personal record on the triple jump with a distance of 41-10.00 for second place. Until Saturday, Higham had yet to surpass 40 feet in the event.

“It gave me a good energy boost for the day,” he said. “I don’t know how it happened or where it came from.”

Higham also placed second in the long jump (20-9) and high jump (5-10) to earn the Field MVP for the boys.

“It was warm enough for me to get a sunburn,” Higham joked. I still haven’t hit my personal records in high or long jump this season, but they were good enough for second place today. Our section meets have been in the snow, the rain or the cold. we came out here as a team when the weather was nice and performed great.”

Freshman hits heights

Taylor Shriver might not be superstitious but she had to see the interesting comparisons that she managed to create in the girls pole vault. The freshman from Waynesburg vaulted a PR 10-6 to easily win the event.

And she did so by using the same pole Marissa Kalsey used while at Waynesburg. Kalsey is one of the many great pole vaulters the program has turned out. Also on that list is Jocelyn Lindsay, the first PIAA champion in the event.

“That’s the highest I’ve gotten in outdoor,” said Shriver. “I was a gymnast for most of my life and Coach (Butch) Brunell wanted me to try it so I came and have been here ever since. He’s gotten me where I am today.”

Shriver has met Kalsey, who won an NCAA Division III title in the pole vault two years ago while at Westminster, on a few occasions and the two got along well.

“I’ve worked with Marissa and she has been a lot of help,” Shriver said. “She is so nice. My goal is to beat our school record of 12-06.”

Kalsey holds the record.