Vaulters Seek Lofty Start to 2017 Seasons

By Scott Bush, DyeStat Editor

Pole vault world indoor record holder Jenn Suhr and reigning world champion Shawn Barber are set to compete this weekend at the Akron Pole Vault Convention.

Suhr, who often competes at somewhat low-key indoor competitions, seeks a bit of redemption having missed out on a medal at the Rio Olympics after contracting an illness that put a damper on her performance. 

For Barber, an Akron alum, he seeks to repeat his 2016 victory, where he bested the field with a 5.70m performance. Olympic gold medalist Katerina Stefanidi beat American Demi Payne last year on the women's side, both clearing 4.71m. 

Additional entries on the women's side include Americans Mary Saxer and Katie Nageotte, as well as Canadian Alysha Newman. On the men's side, 2016 runner-up Scott Houston looks to get a strong start to his season.