Austin Goolsby vaults to new heights; finishes as state runner-up
Lead Summary
By
Stephen Forsha-sforsha@gmail.com
COLUMBUS — A surprised Austin Goolsby of Hillsboro High School couldn’t believe the heights he soared, or better yet, vaulted to on Friday morning in the Division II State Pole Vault event inside Jesse Owens Memorial Stadium.
A sophomore making his state debut, Goolsby not only surpassed the 14-09 height he had at the regional meet last weekend, but he outright smashed his personal record mark, vaulting to new heights in competition. He first cleared the bar at 15-04, but he wasn’t finished yet, as he then cleared a height of 15-08 to set a new personal mark and a new Hillsboro mark as well.
“It is unbelievable … I am shocked,” Goolsby said following the event when asked what it was like to be a state runner-up. “This is not only the highest I’ve done in competition, but the highest I’ve even done with a bar, so I’m really excited.
“I think the adrenaline was kicking in, and it was just a good day for it, really hot, and it was an amazing experience. I’m just excited.”
When Goolsby cleared the bar at 15-08, he held his arms up in triumph while he was falling back to the mat, much to the pleasure of the Hillsboro fans who traveled the over one-hour drive to cheer on Goolsby and the rest of the Indians competitors that day.
Following his perfect landing, he pointed skyward and then looked over to his family and fans, pointing at them and celebrating with a fist pump.
“I’m really shocked,” Goolsby said. “It was a really good experience, and to compete against seniors, I know they have been working really hard just like I have been. I just love the sport, and I was coming for the championship. It is all right … I had a lot of fun and did well.”
Of the Top 8 who reached the podium on Friday, six were seniors, and Goolsby was the lone sophomore. He began the day with a vault of 13-06, 14-00, 14-08, 15-00 and 15-04 before he made his final completed vault of 15-08 on his second attempt.
Goolsby attempted the 16-00 mark but came up just short of completing the vault without knocking down the bar. Winning the event was Perry senior Nicholas Lauria with the 16-00, making it on his first attempt.
In third was Fairfield-Union senior Jimmy Kovatch at 15-00.00, followed by fourth-place finisher Matt Keim, a Tuscarawas Valley senior at 14-04, and in fifth was Marysville senior Chase Himmelspach, also at 14-04.00.
“This competition really helped me out,” Goolsby said. “I love the competition like this. It pushes me so much, and that is one of the reasons I jumped so well today.
“I want to thank Jesus … I’m out here praying every single time I’m running down the runway. It builds up my confidence, and He helps me so much. I also want to thank my family and all the coaches who have helped me. I’m really excited to see all the people here. I didn’t expect that many people to come here and watch.”
A sophomore making his state debut, Goolsby not only surpassed the 14-09 height he had at the regional meet last weekend, but he outright smashed his personal record mark, vaulting to new heights in competition. He first cleared the bar at 15-04, but he wasn’t finished yet, as he then cleared a height of 15-08 to set a new personal mark and a new Hillsboro mark as well.
“It is unbelievable … I am shocked,” Goolsby said following the event when asked what it was like to be a state runner-up. “This is not only the highest I’ve done in competition, but the highest I’ve even done with a bar, so I’m really excited.
“I think the adrenaline was kicking in, and it was just a good day for it, really hot, and it was an amazing experience. I’m just excited.”
When Goolsby cleared the bar at 15-08, he held his arms up in triumph while he was falling back to the mat, much to the pleasure of the Hillsboro fans who traveled the over one-hour drive to cheer on Goolsby and the rest of the Indians competitors that day.
Following his perfect landing, he pointed skyward and then looked over to his family and fans, pointing at them and celebrating with a fist pump.
“I’m really shocked,” Goolsby said. “It was a really good experience, and to compete against seniors, I know they have been working really hard just like I have been. I just love the sport, and I was coming for the championship. It is all right … I had a lot of fun and did well.”
Of the Top 8 who reached the podium on Friday, six were seniors, and Goolsby was the lone sophomore. He began the day with a vault of 13-06, 14-00, 14-08, 15-00 and 15-04 before he made his final completed vault of 15-08 on his second attempt.
Goolsby attempted the 16-00 mark but came up just short of completing the vault without knocking down the bar. Winning the event was Perry senior Nicholas Lauria with the 16-00, making it on his first attempt.
In third was Fairfield-Union senior Jimmy Kovatch at 15-00.00, followed by fourth-place finisher Matt Keim, a Tuscarawas Valley senior at 14-04, and in fifth was Marysville senior Chase Himmelspach, also at 14-04.00.
“This competition really helped me out,” Goolsby said. “I love the competition like this. It pushes me so much, and that is one of the reasons I jumped so well today.
“I want to thank Jesus … I’m out here praying every single time I’m running down the runway. It builds up my confidence, and He helps me so much. I also want to thank my family and all the coaches who have helped me. I’m really excited to see all the people here. I didn’t expect that many people to come here and watch.”