Women's Pole Vault Preview

A large field of 19 vaulters has the spectre of just one looming overhead. WR holder Stacy Dragila, who has won three of the last four national titles offered in this hot new discipline. Dragila won her crowns in 07-99-00 and should claim her fourth today.

Her recent form has been record-shattering: a pair of WRs at the Stanford GP on June 9, the highest reaching 15-9 1/4. She may not have to jump that high to win the nationals, but win she certainly should.

The other titlist, '98 champ Kellie Suttle, also has topped 15 feet this year, with a 15-1 best in Modesto. In mid-June, Mary Sauer became the second-highest American ever with a 15-1 ½ clearance-as well as No. 3 performer in world history.

The 15-foot trio will have to watch for Alicia Warlick (14-9 this year), veteran Olympian Mel Mueller, Collegiate Record holder Tracy O'Hara, rapidly-improving Oregon JC'er Becky Holliday (14-4 JCR) and two recent 14-footers in Jill Starkey (14-1 ¼) and Shannon Pierson (14-0).
/Jon Hendershott/