State Champion spotlight: Drew Nealey Belfast
Junior Drew Nealey won his second Class B indoor pole vault title with his 13-6 winning effort. We caught up with Drew to ask a few questions about his preparation before the meet, his mindset on meet day, and what his favorite thing about the vault is.
What were your preparations leading up to the state meet?
The week leading up too the state my focus was making sure I was well rested. We had shortened practices with reduced volume.
How did you deal with the pressure and emotions that come along with competing in a state meet?
This year dealing with the pressure was easier because it was my 5th time competing in a high school track and field state championship. I really enjoy the atmosphere of big meets. I think that seeing other people perform at a high level motivates me to perform better as well.
You won pole vault for the second year in a row, how did it feel to be able to repeat as an individual champion?
It felt great to win the state championship again in the pole vault this year. It was a major goal of mine coming into this season.
What is your favorite thing about the vault?
I don't think that I could pick one thing that is my favorite thing about the vault. I've loved it sense the first time I picked up a pole and ran down the runway, and I think I always will.
Coming into the season what were your goals and did you achieve them?
I had two goals coming into this season. They were to win the state championship and break the state record in the pole vault. I achieved one of my goals, and I am determined to refocus on the other for next season.
Nealey's Pole Vault Progression
- 2015 Indoor 14-0
- 2014 Indoor 13-6
- 2013 Indoor 11-6
2014-15 Results
| 13-6 | 1st | 2015-02-16 | Class B Indoor State Championship | » | |
| 13-6 | 1st | 2015-02-07 | KVAC Championship | » | |
| 13-6 | 2nd | 2015-01-17 | KVAC Colby Meet #2 | » | |
| 14-0 | 1st | 2015-01-09 | KVAC Indoor Track & Field League Meet # 6 | » | |
| 14-0 | 1st | 2015-01-02 | KVAC Indoor Track & Field League Meet # 4 | » | |
| 13-0 | 2nd | 2014-12-29 | KVAC Indoor Track & Field League Meet # 2 | » | |
| 12-6 | 1st | 2014-12-27 | Rhode Island Classic | » | |
| 14-0 | 1st | 2014-12-20 | Bowdoin Relays | » |