Over-the-top performers

LEE BARES

Senior, Lakeville South

Personal best vault: 15?feet, 9 inches. The mark set the Minnesota high school record.

Notable: Two-time Class 2A pole vault champion. Placed sixth in 1-meter diving at Class 2A meet. Former gymnast.

Quote: “I don’t really see much when I’m in the air but when I get to the top and see the bar, my goal is to stay as far away from that thing as possible.”

GRANT KRIEGER

Senior, Blake

Personal best vault: 16?feet, 1¼ inches. Set at national indoor meet in March.

Notable: Two-time Class 1A pole vault champion. Former gymnast. Father, Rick, was a decathlete at Oklahoma State. Committed to Clemson.

Quote: “People underestimate the mental part of pole vaulting. It’s very similar to a golf swing. Every little bit makes a difference.”

MITCH VALLI

Senior, Buffalo

Personal best vault: 15 feet, 9 inches. Set at regional meet last June.

Notable: Tied for fourth in pole vault at the Class 2A meet last spring. Caught 20 passes for 232 yards and one touchdown and returned a punt for a TD. His stepfather, Paul Herda, coached vaulters at St. John’s.

Quote: “We’ve all discussed that it’s going to come down to whoever has the best day at state. If it’s me, cool. If it’s them, even better. We will know we battled for this.”

DAVID La VAQUE