Kelso's Macy Swanson takes 2nd at state in pole vault

TACOMA - Kelso's Macy Swanson took second place in the 3A state pole vault event during the 3A Girls Track & Field State Championships on Friday at Mount Tahoma High School.

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The senior cleared 12 feet, 6 inches to claim her spot, just one inch shy of her PR mark of 12 feet, 7 inches that set a new school record.

"I'm excited that I was able to jump an inch off my PR," she said. "Being able to jump close to that, I'm grateful."

Kelso track and field: Macy Swanson

Kelso's Macy Swanson performs a pole vault during the 3A Girls Track & Field State Championships on Friday, May 29, at Mount Tahoma High School. Swanson placed second in the 3A pole vault event.

Kelso pole vault coach Tyler Beavers had a different reaction. He said he thought Swanson had first place locked up because the eventual champion Charlize Hall previously cleared 12 feet as her PR. She proceeded to PR three times and reached 12 feet, 9 inches on Friday.

"I thought we had it in the bag," he said. "What are the chances?"

Swanson won't stop pole vaulting just yet. She will be heading to Central Washington University, a Division II school in Ellensburg, next fall to continue her pole vaulting career.

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"It's not over," Swanson said. "I still got four more years."

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