The wind had its way with the light rain as she prepared to compete. Trying

to stay dry and warm, she thought only of making the best of a tough

situation. On her third attempt, she cleared the first obstacle, and set

her sights — and the bar — higher.

The conditions were hardly conducive to success, but that is exactly what

she was striving for. Despite her nagging injuries, she ran faster and

jumped higher until she was the final competitor left. Chalking her hands

and grabbing her pole, she positioned herself for the approach. Ninety-four

feet stood between her and history.

Digging deep and aiming high, she began to accelerate, building speed with

each of her 16 strides. Then, the final steps. The plant. The jump. The

transfer of energy and momentum that sent her flying over the bar and

propelled her to victory.

Appropriately taking home the final athlete of the week honor is University

of Tennessee pole vaulter Leslie Henley. Henley has just returned from the

104th edition of the Penn Relays in Philadelphia where she claimed first

place in the women’s collegiate pole vault competition. Her winning height

of 11-11 3/4 was a career best for Henley, established a new Lady Vols

outdoor record and set a new record at the prestigious Penn Relays.

With a pulled groin and shin splints, Henley went to Philadelphia to

“make the best of it.” However, her talent, perseverance and patience

vaulted her to a championship.

“I was ecstatic,” Henley said. “It’s exciting when you work hard at

something and see the results.”

Henley has certainly reaped the benefits of her grueling training and

determination. The Manchester, Tenn., native is an indisputable pioneer in

pole vaulting, which has just become an NCAA sport. Henley has already

captured the first Southeastern Conference Indoor championship and looks to

take the outdoor title next month. But her performance at the Penn Relays

is unprecedented and will not soon be forgotten.

“When you can go to Penn Relays and come out a champion and a record

setter, it shows you’re on the right track,” UT head coach Myrtle Ferguson

said of the renowned meet.

Henley credits her accomplishments to patience, persistence and practice.

But, as with most sports, the mental aspect is equally important and

confidence is vital to success.

“I know I’m able to do it. I know it’s there,” Henley said. “I just have to

be patient and practice.”

Henley also cites being fast and aggressive as tools for her sport. But

there is a deeper motivation that keeps Henley vaulting through the record

books. She simply enjoys the challenge and excitement that surrounds the

vault.

“When you clear the pole and fly down into the pit and see that the bar is

still there, it is a complete rush,” she said.

To some, sprinting down a runway with a 14-foot pole in your hands and

vaulting yourself through the air over a 12-foot bar may seem scary, even

insane. Ferguson agrees.

“We always say you have to be a little crazy to be a pole vaulter,” she

said.But it is this fear that Henley pushes aside as her aggressive and

determined mentality overcomes the obstacles. With the 1998 season drawing

to a close, Henley has a few more challenges to tackle. In her final

campaign as a Lady Vol vaulter, Henley has found great success and is

striving for more in the upcoming meets.

“I’ve been really happy with the season so far,” Henley said. “But I want

to keep getting higher heights.”

Henley will attempt to soar to these heights on Saturday as she displays

her record-setting talents at the Gatorade Classic at UT’s Tom Black Track.

Once again she will chalk her hands, grab her pole and stride toward

victory. Her speed and aggression will turn to style and grace as she

pushes through the air and flies over the bar. And, as she ends this

impressive reign, Henley will leave a mark of pride and athletic excellence

on Tennessee, the nation and the sport of pole vaulting forever.