State Champion Spotlight: Rihan Smallwood (Bangor HS)


State Champion spotlight: Rihan Smallwood Bangor HS


What were your preparations leading up to the state meet?

My preparations leading up to the state meet were staying focused and healthy. I wanted to make sure I kept up with training but didn't over train. Towards the end of the season my mental as well as physical stamina isn't great but I peaked at just the right time which I was really hoping would happen for the EMITL and State meets.

How did you deal with the pressure and emotions that come along with competing in a state meet?

This year I feel as though I put more pressure on myself because I was a returning State Champion but it was important that I kept those emotions under control while I was competing and training. I was really nervous this year going into the State meet, especially, but really excited to vault against incredible competition.

You were down to your last attempt at 10-6 after two misses, what was going through your mind as you prepared for the next jump?

I was getting really frustrated at 10' 6" because of my first two misses but I knew that I couldn't let the frustration or nerves get to my head. On my third attempt, my coach decided to push my standards way back so I felt confident knowing that I was getting into the pit and vaulting well especially considering my warm-ups hadn't been the best. Before I jumped, I knew I had to just run through it and trust my mark or I wouldn't clear the bar.


After clearing 10-6 it seemed like you relaxed and were able to get in a groove, what was it like to clear a personal best 11-04?

After 10' 6" I was so excited! I knew after that I needed to just focus and shake the nerves. At 11' I felt way more confident in my jumps because my nerves had finally calmed down. Clearing 11' 4" felt awesome. I couldn't believe it when I hit the mat and saw the bar still on the pegs. My goal this year was to get 11' so to clear that by four inches was such a huge accomplishment.

This was your second state title in a row, what will you remember most about this one?

What I'll remember about this state meet was the competition. All the girls were such good vaulters! Even on the boys side, the competitors were incredible to watch! Not only were the vaulters good, but all around the athletes at this year's state meet were so fun to watch, run against, and jump with.

Coming into the season what were your goals and did you achieve them?

I absolutely achieved my goals this season! I can't wait to start outdoor. I'll definitely be shooting for 12 feet!


Smallwood's Pole Vault Progression


INDOOR Graph
201711-4
201610-4
20159-0



2016-17 Indoor Performances


2017SEASONEVENTMEETDATEPLACEROUND
11-4IndoorPVClass A Indoor State Championship1stFinals>
11-0IndoorPVEMITL Championship1stFinals>
28.57Indoor200mEMITL Championship8thFinals>
10-9IndoorPVPVC: BUC, ELL, FOX, GSA, MAT, MDI, SUM, WA1stFinals>
10-6IndoorPVPVC:BAN, BUC, CEN, FOX, GSA, HAM, JB, OT1stFinals>
10-6IndoorPVPVC:BAN, BRW, ELL, HER, JB, MAT, SUM, WA1stFinals>
28.65Indoor200mPVC:BAN, BRW, ELL, HER, JB, MAT, SUM, WA2ndFinals>
10-6IndoorPVPVC: BAN, BUC, CEN, FOX, HAM, JB, MDI, ORO1stFinals>
8.08Indoor55mPVC: BAN, BUC, CEN, FOX, HAM, JB, MDI, ORO4thFinals>
8.09Indoor55mPVC: BAN, BUC, CEN, FOX, HAM, JB, MDI, ORO3rdPrelims>
10-6IndoorPVPVC: BAN, BRW, HAM, OT, ORO1stFinals>
2016SEASONEVENTMEETDATEPLACEROUND
10-7IndoorPVPVC: Bangor, Buck, Brewer, Foxcroft, Hermon, Orono, OT, Sumn1stFinals>
28.59Indoor200mPVC: Bangor, Buck, Brewer, Foxcroft, Hermon, Orono, OT, Sumn1stFinals>