Titan ready for that golden leap

Senior pole vaulter Melissa Cousin hopes to finally land state gold.

By KEITH NIEBUHR
Published April 21, 2005

TAMPA - Melissa Cousin arrived at a one-day pole vault clinic four seasons ago not having a clue about the event. She had never jumped, never sprinted toward the pit. Heck, she'd never even held the pole.

"I didn't know what to expect," Cousin said.

What she had was a nine-year background in gymnastics and that, she hoped, would help. After comparing the two sports, Cousin thought the muscle strength she gained from competing in such things as the floor exercise and parallel bars would be assets as she adjusted to the pole vault.

"I just figured they were similar," Cousin said. "I thought I could apply some of the techniques from gymnastics."

At the clinic, she was taught the basics.

How to grip the stick.

How to run.

How to land.

She watched, she listened, then she launched.

At Cousin's first meet, she vaulted an even 6 feet and as she put it, "was so excited." Eventually, what began as something simply to pass the time developed into something much more. Now a Tampa Bay Tech senior, Cousin, who will compete in today's Class 3A, District 10 meet at Wharton, is among the state's top pole vaulters.

The year-round competitor has advanced to state three times (with a best finish of seventh last year), regularly vaults 11 feet and just last week signed a letter of intent with South Florida.

"She's doing great," Titans coach April Winternheimer said.

For good measure, Cousin also competes in the high jump, long jump and is a fill-in for running events. She is among the area's best high jumpers and might very well have state medal ability in that event, too.

Almost from the start, Cousin performed well in the pole vault. Just weeks after her first meet, she qualified for state. By season's end, she had reached the 9-foot mark.

Cousin steadily progressed during each of her first three seasons and as a junior vaulted 10-6 at state. But now she's hit somewhat of a plateau. After clearing 11 feet in the opening meet this spring, she has yet to better that.

Two weeks ago, she spent more than $200 on a new pole in hopes of getting a boost. The old one, she said, was a bit short. The new pole is longer and, she thinks, more conducive to her exceeding 11 feet. But it is tougher to bend and the change has affected everything from her grip to her plant.

"She's got to give it time," Winternheimer said.

Time, however, is not on her side.

Reaching state likely won't be an issue based on the projected competition at districts and regionals, but Cousin wants more than just an appearance. She wants gold, but is certain it will take nothing short of her career best to earn it.

"I've been in a transition," Cousin said. "But I think I can do it."

[Last modified April 21, 2005, 01:06:12]