Freshman, sophomore duo vault team to success

Last year, IU sophomore Vera Neuenswander was the top freshman pole vaulter in the nation during both the indoor and outdoor seasons, also setting school records. One of those records fell this weekend, and it made her happy. \nNeuenswander’s teammate, freshman Stephanie Chin, broke the record. On Saturday, Chin vaulted 4.12 meters at the Meyo Invite in South Bend. \nChin was happy after clearing the bar measuring more than 13 and a half feet, good for second in the event.\n“I was really excited and shocked that I made it over,” she said. “I feel like all of the training is starting to pay off.” \nChin’s mark bettered the NCAA provisional qualifying mark of 3.95 meters. She was, however, not the only IU athlete to reach that height. Her teammate, Neuenswander, finished fourth in the event with a vault of 3.95 meters. \nChin and Neuenswander work together in practice, something the freshman thinks has really helped her this season. \n“Vera has been a huge support for me,” Chin said. “We are both helping to make each other better.” \nNeuenswander agreed and said the two are learning a great deal from each other.\n“Stephanie is a great teammate,” she said. “We work really well together.” \nIU assistant coach Jake Wiseman, who works with the pole vaulters, said he has kept an eye on the two this season.\n“They push each other everyday,” he said. “As coaches we can’t coach what they do for each other.” \nIn addition to IU’s pole vaulting success last weekend, the Hoosiers also set school records in other events.\nThe distance medley relay team of juniors Caity Lauer, Audrey Smoot, Molly Beckwith and Wendi Robinson bettered the previous school record by nearly four seconds Friday. The relay team finished in fourth place with a time of 11:21.18, which also provisionally qualifies them for the NCAA Indoor Championships.\nThe four juniors came back Saturday and all set career bests in their individual open events.\nIU coach Ron Helmer was happy with his team’s efforts following the relay.\n“I think they were determined to run well, and they did run well,” he said. \nOn the men’s side, seven athletes set career bests. \nSenior Marcus Thigpen finished seventh in the 200-meter dash in a time of 21.94 seconds. His time is just seven-tenths of a second off the NCAA provisional mark of 21.23. \nSenior thrower Paul Fearnow also set a career best. Fearnow finished fifth in the weight throw with a heave of 18.67 meters. He said he attributes much of his and his teammates’ successes to their work ethic. \n“The team has put their heads down and got to work,” he said. \nThe Hoosiers will compete in two tournaments this weekend, splitting up the team. IU will send 20 of its top athletes to Fayetteville, Ark. to compete in the Tyson Invitational. The remaining athletes will compete at home in the Hoosier Hills Invitational Friday.