PREP BOYS TRACK: Stanwood vaulter settles for second

FULL STORY -EVERETT HERALD-

PASCO -- Nathan Simunds knows he has more in him. He'll have to prove it somewhere else.

Simunds matched his personal record and then nearly went 3 inches higher before settling for second place in the Class 4A boys pole vault competition Friday during the 3A/4A state track and field championships at Edgar Brown Memorial Stadium.

Simunds, a Stanwood High School senior, matched his school record by clearing 15 feet. In his first attempt at 15-3 Simunds had plenty of height but knocked the bar off on his way down. He eventually placed second behind Inglemoor's Ian Quinn, the only competitor who vaulted 15-3.

"I know I have more in me, as that (nearly successful 15-3) jump showed me. I'll have to get it this summer," said Simunds, who plans to compete in all-comer meets over the next several months and then possibly compete in college.

Simunds placed third in the state last year and came into the 2008 meet ranked No. 1. He was outdone by Quinn, who soared 15 inches higher than he had previously gone this season. Jackson's Garett Ochs and Marysville-Pilchuck's Taylor Gibson both cleared 13-6 and tied for sixth.