Nichols, Rowan set records at Boco Invite
Another intense pole vaulting competition highlights Boulder County championships
LAFAYETTE >> The Boulder County track championships were in full swing Saturday, where meet records were made in both girls and boys pole vaulting.
On the girls’ side, Broomfield’s Lily Nichols and Peak to Peak’s Kourtney Rathke tied in height, mastering a vault of 13 feet, 4 inches and easily surpassing the old meet record of 13-1, which was held since 2008. Nichols, who matched her highest mark of the season with the jump, was credited with the win on account of fewer misses.
Both athletes went on to attempt 13-10 — which would have constituted as the state record for girls — but neither were successful in the venture. Rathke had a close call, just barely clipping her finger on the pole while landing, which had those watching on the edge of their seats.
Still, for Rathke, whose season started without the success she is used to, the high-mark tie and nearmiss on a state record is the fuel she needs to continue improving throughout the rest of the year.
“I felt like I was finally on,” Rathke said. “I’ve been having off meets to start off the outdoor season, so today was exciting. I’ve jumped 13-10 a couple of times at practice, so I knew I could do it, but I couldn’t quite get it today.”
Rathke also competed in the long jump, where she took first place (18-8), and in the triple jump, where she got second (36-1.75).
Nichols matched not only her personal record, but also the state high for this season, which she held solely until Rathke matched it. She also had some closecall moments with the 1310 mark, getting a taste of the title, but was unable to lock it down.
“I had a 160 (sized-pole) today when I was supposed to have a 165, so I kind of knew the jump was going to be really difficult considering I’m holding at 13,” Nichols said. “But I really enjoyed jumping today, so even if I didn’t make the (state) record I’m happy with the results.”
On the boys’ side, Monarch dominated with Tyler Rowan pulling out another first place win for the season. Rowan, who also won the same meet last year by over a foot (14-9) and is the state leader in the event, repeated history with a 16-2 jump.
He easily passed the meet record of 16 feet even set in 2018. Though he attempted a 16-5 jump, he was unable to meet the mark. Still, the 16-2 he managed was a personal best and is the new top state standing.
“I felt like it was really important to try and make today a good day,” Rowan said. “I haven’t been able to compete in the last few meets because of the weather, and you can’t complain about a day like today — super sunny and a nice little tailwind.”
Mohi teammate Ethan Nuttall, who placed just behind Rowan last year, came in second at 14-4 — falling just short on an attempt at 14-10 that would have been a PR.
“I felt good, but I messed it up a bit today,” Nuttall said. “I didn’t really get in any real full attempts on that one. I could’ve made it, but the pole was just too big.”