First MHS Female Pole Vaulter to Take 4th in State Competition
Lucille Heuermann, a junior at Milton Hershey School, not only raised the bar this year, but she also leaped over it higher than most other students in the state. Heuermann’s pursuit of excellence earned her a fourth-place medal in the PIAA, Class AAA, Pole Vault Championships. Two weeks earlier, she captured a gold medal at the Mid-Penn Conference track and field championships.
With only two years of practice under her belt, Luci plans to return to the state competition next year with her eye on first place.
What started your love for pole vaulting?
My dad started my love for pole vaulting at the end of my freshman year. I had been in track since fifth grade, but I said that I wanted to try pole vault, and he said he would be my coach because he was the track coach at my old high school.
What is a typical week of practice like?
During the season, I have one pole vault practice a week, but I didn’t start until the end of the winter season. On Wednesdays I go to pole vault practice at VaultWorX for up to two hours. During the week, I go to track practice daily and do triple jump and hurdles. On Saturdays, we have invitationals.
What is your favorite event to compete in?
Pole vault is definitely my favorite event, but I also love triple jump. Pole vault is more exciting. It is thrilling to be up in the air and doing something I love. I am a lot newer to triple jump, but that’s why I like it so much. I get to learn and grow a lot.
What challenges did you face preparing for the competition?
Trying to get more consistent was the hardest challenge while preparing for states. All the techniques are very new to me, so I am learning to be more consistent in my steps and form.
How do you balance schoolwork and athletics?
It was very difficult for me to get used to at the beginning of the year, but I learned how to balance my time so that academics are a higher priority, but I still focus on athletics. Often, I will read or do assignments at track meets.
How has your support system helped you at MHS?
Coach Roger Smith ‘85 has been a huge support for me during my time at MHS. Over the summer, I spent every day practicing with him and others. He is like a father figure for me at MHS. He always takes care of me and is there for me if I need him. My family is also a huge support even though I don’t see them as often. Coming from Illinois, it is hard for my family to make it to all my meets, but they come to many of them, and I appreciate it so much.
What advice would you give to younger athletes who look up to you?
Commitment matters. Stay active in different activities. You may not like them all, but you are bound to find something you are passionate about. I went through many clubs and activities before I found where I fit in and what I was good at.
Do you plan to continue pole vaulting after graduation?
Yes! I am currently talking to coaches from Lehigh University and West Point. I would like to be a pilot, so I am very interested in attending a military academy such as the Naval Academy, Air Force Academy and West Point.
Can you describe what competition day was like?
I was very psyched! I could not sleep that night from all the adrenaline, so I woke up at 4 a.m. I was the only MHS student competing that day, but all of my coaches showed up to support me. It was cold and rainy initially, but my practice jumps were still really good. I was making it over the 13-foot bungee. As I kept practicing, it kept getting colder and it started to pour until they temporarily stopped the entire competition. When they restarted, I had been cold for so long that I was messing up my footing and could only make it over the 12-foot bungee. Once I was done, I got food and then went straight to my volleyball tournament.
How did you feel when you placed 4th?
I was a little disappointed, but I know what I need to practice to improve my score for next year. Hopefully, I will get a lot more time to practice pole vaulting rather than my other events.