NORTH BALTIMORE ? Even as a freshman, Amanda Hotaling is not intimidated with the thought of competing
against the state?s best.
The North Baltimore freshman will be just doing that when she takes part in the Division III state pole
vault competition this weekend at Ohio State University?s Jesse Owens Stadium.
?I?m just anxious and overwhelmed with it all because it?s a big thing,? Hotaling said. ?I actually have
a shot of winning it and I still have three years ahead of me. It?s just the beginning of it.?
Hotaling jumped 10-4 at the regional meet at Tiffin to finish second to Patrick Henry sophomore Tori
Meyer.
Hotaling won the district meet with a jump of 11-0 and her personal best of 11-8 set a Midland Athletic
League meet record May 16.
?I wouldn?t say I expected (to qualify for state). I?d just say it was one of my goals I hoped to
accomplish,? Hotaling said.
Hotaling is one of two freshman to qualify for the state pole vault, joining Pandora-Gilboa?s Ellie
Braidic (10-4) in the field of 16 competitors in Columbus.
Ten of the top 12 from last year?s competition graduated, with Meyer and Fredericktown?s Kate Newkirk
making a return trip to state after both tied for eighth last year.
The state-meet record is 12-5, and Hotaling cleared 12-0 in practice Monday. The best mark at regionals
by any of Hotaling?s competitors was Meyer?s 10-8 mark.
?I?m looking to beat the state record,? Hotaling said. ?I?m just staying positive, because if you go in
there with a negative attitude then you?re not going to do good because you?re already thinking that
you?re going to do bad. Just go in there positive and give all you?ve got.?
Because NB doesn?t have a pole vault coach, Hotaling practices at Liberty-Benton with its pole vault
coach.
And although Hotaling is only a freshman, going up against athletes who have more experience does not
worry her. Neither does the increased pressure of competing in front of the large crowds and atmosphere
that is special to the state meet.
?I guess we?ll just have to see when we get down there. The atmosphere will be really cool,? Hotaling
said. ?It doesn?t really matter their grade or how high they went. Everyone is my competition and I just
go out there and do my best. If my best is good enough, that?s great.?
Hotaling and the rest of the field will begin competition Friday at 1 p.m.