Davidson’s De Francesco sets sights on state title in pole vault
Hilliard Davidson senior track and field standout Jack De Francesco remembers in great detail the day he was introduced to the event in which he would eventually excel.
During his freshman year, then-track coach Jim Smith entered De Francesco's history class and asked for a meeting.
Smith, a health and physical education teacher, told De Francesco that he would be a good candidate to begin training in the pole vault.
“My freshman year, I didn't know anything about pole vault,” De Francesco said. “I never heard of it before. Jim Smith got me into it . ... Maybe he saw something in me, but I think he wanted everyone to try pole vault. I'm really glad he gave me the opportunity.”
Three years later, De Francesco owns the program record of 16 feet, 6 inches and has his sights set on the Division I state title.
Competing in his first state meet a year ago, De Francesco finished second (16-6) behind Cincinnati Turpin's Paul Signorelli (16-10). Signorelli graduated, leaving De Francesco as one of the favorites entering the postseason.
“This season definitely means a lot,” De Francesco said. “I'm definitely motivated to go out there and get that title not just for me, but for the school and for my friends and family.”
De Francesco credits the Davidson coaching staff and training at Buckeye Pole Vault Academy in Sunbury as keys to his success.
“I've been coached by Austin Hicks (at Buckeye) at least four times a week for the last three years and it's been nonstop work and nonstop learning,” De Francesco said. “With his help, I got to where I am today. The Davidson coaching was tremendously helpful. All the coaches have been very helpful and encouraging, and they definitely made me better. They've made me stronger and mentally tough.”
Hicks is the club director and head coach at Buckeye Pole Vault Academy. A 2010 graduate of Olentangy, he finished second in the pole vault in the indoor state meet in 2010 and tied for fourth in the outdoor state meet in 2009.
De Francesco also is a key sprinter for the Wildcats. He could compete in the 100 and 200 meters and in a sprint relay during the postseason.
He has seen limited action in the pole vault this season because of a shoulder injury. However, coach Matt Beatty expects De Francesco to be at full strength for the postseason.
“He's very intellectual, very smart and is a hard worker, and it's nice to have him help some of these other kids,” Beatty said. “This event is very technical. You have to be kind of smart and the right kind of dumb and he's both.
“We're hoping to capitalize on last year. It was awesome to get him to state, but we're trying to get him up to where he was last year to compete for a state title.”
Both De Francesco and Beatty agree that the pole vault not only requires physical ability but a positive mental attitude.
“Pole vault is probably one of the most mentally tough events ever,” De Francesco said. “You go through rough patches, you go through highs and lows like no other sport. It definitely does take a different type of person to be able to do this.”
In college, De Francesco will compete at North Carolina.
Before De Francesco heads to Chapel Hill, he hopes to end his prep career with a state title.
“It's kind of crazy that it's all coming to a close, especially since I came in freshman year and didn't really know what I was doing,” he said. “Now it's a big journey for me and it's about to be over, so this season definitely means a lot to me.”