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Pirate jumps at chance for a record

Jessica Rentschlar is out to top Crystal River's pole vaulting mark and reach state again.

By BRETT KELMAN
Published February 23, 2007

CRYSTAL RIVER - Last season, the Crystal River coaches gave all their girls nicknames. Only one stuck.

"When she plants that pole you don't always know what is going to happen, be she is definitely going to shoot up - like a rocket," coach Ron Cline said, praising Jessica "Rocket" Rentschlar, his star pole vaulter.

Rentschlar, who vaulted her way to 11th at state last year as a sophomore, returns this year with an eye on the school's record and a good shot at making the state eight. Rentschlar also runs on the 4x400-meter and 4x100 relays.

"Jessica holds nothing back," Cline said. "She pitches it all against the wall in everything she does."

Rentschlar said she has been jumping almost 10 feet in preseason practice, which would break the Panthers' record of 91/2 and shatter the personal-best 9 feet she reached at last year's state competition.

Not bad for a girl who stumbled into pole vaulting.

"I didn't intend on being a pole vaulter, it just happened," Rentschlar said. "My first year, I really didn't know what to do, but I've stuck to it ever since and I love it."

Rentschlar credits much of her success to the teachings of assistant coach David Spidey and to former Panthers pole vaulter Brent Miller, who was state champ during Rentschlar's freshman year.

But Cline insists Rentschlar's "mental toughness" has earned her success. Last year Rentschlar struggled with illness and a sprained ankle, but returned more determined than ever.

"There aren't too many people I know who get sick, practice anyway, do their business and race to the next workout like Jessica," he said.

"It shows a lot of strength in a young lady."

Fast Facts:

Citrus

Coach: Tom Darby, 38th year

Athletes to watch: Jenna Callaghan, So. (multiple events); Sally Ince, Jr. (middle distance, 800); Kessiah Ray, Jr. (400, 4x400 relay); Kayla Stueber, Jr. (hurdles); Sarah Keller, Jr. (400, 4x400 relay, triple jump); Rebecca Morreli, Jr. (400, 4x100 relay); Cheyanne Weh, Sr. (discus, shot put); Tiffany Farrell, So. (high jump, 400).

Key losses: State qualifiers Deidra Miller (discus), Sarah Morreli (discus) and Amber Huver (hurdles). Katie Bombley (hurdles).

Seven Rivers

Coach: Tim Bowman, first year

Athletes to watch: Rachael Capra, Jr. (won district in 100 meters, 5th in state high); Paige Cooke, 8th grade (mile; qualified for state in 1,600)

Key losses: None

Crystal River

Coach: Ron Cline, fifth year

2006 finish: District champs past three years.

Athletes to watch: Ashton O'steen, Sr. (4x400 relay, 400, triple jump, qualified for regionals in relays.); Danielle Dixon, Sr. (800, 4x800; Andrea Adams, Sr. (3,200, district champ, region qualifier).

Key losses: Lisa Fioretti, shot put.

Lecanto

Coach: Freddie Bullock, 24th year

2006 finish: 2nd in districts

Athletes to watch: "Anyone who has the determination and grit to come back is key," Bulllock said.

Key losses: Tara Haddock holds several school records; Nary Ann Bruno, junior, 300-meter hurdles (out with ACL injury).

[Last modified February 22, 2007, 22:29:01]