By MICHAEL ALLEN
LOG CABIN STAFF WRITER

When it comes to pole vaulting, Conway High's McKinley Rea wants perfection.

The student-athlete just finished her junior year this spring and was a big asset to the Lady Cats' track program throughout. Rea won both the 7A-Central Conference and 7A state meets in the pole vault event. She also finished second in the Meet of Champs behind Lake Hamilton's Stephanie Foreman, who set a state record that day.

"I'm glad that I've been able to improve throughout the year," Rea said. "My pole vaulting coach Morry Sanders has taught me the proper techniques in which to jump. Every Sunday, I go to Mount Ida and practice with him, along with others, including Stephanie Foreman. He has helped improved my jumps."

Rea recently qualified for the Nike Outdoor Nationals in Greensboro, N.C. To qualify, she had to at least clear a 12-foot mark at a USATF sanctioned event. Both McKinley and Foreman will represent the Arkansas Vault Club at nationals.

"She is a very hard worker, and I'm sure (Conway coach J.R.) Ross can vouch for that," said father Shawn Rea. "My wife and I are very proud of her. During track season, she's at the pit practicing at 6:30 in the morning. Some mornings we had to go out there and chip ice off the pit because she wanted to practice."

"We had a really good year, and I enjoyed running with those girls," Rea said. "It was fun running in conference, state and in the Meet of Champs. That was a great experience. We should be good next year on the relays also because we have most of our girls coming back."

According to Shawn Rea, his daughter is receiving interest from colleges not only in pole vault but also in sprints.

"She does really well academically," Rea said. "She has all A's and B's during the school year, and she was able to keep a job working at Sonshine Academy. We're very proud of her."

 

More Stories from Michael Allen:     · Always on the go - 07/03/09     · City's youth league champions enjoy winning the title - 07/02/09     · Conway to start 7-on-7 flag football league - 07/01/09     · Holland and Irish represented MVE during all-star week - 07/01/09     · A strong ending - 06/28/09

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