Holy Trinity senior Lindsey Enders has always had a love for computers and technology. She also has another love, pole vaulting. Combine the two and I guess you could say she’s starting to get the sport down to a science.
“My coach is always relating it to Isaac Newton and his laws. For every action there is an equal and opposite reaction he says that all the time. He’s referring to running up right and what not. He always says whatever you put into the pole will always come out so if you load the pole correctly it will shoot you up at the top when you’re in position.”
Enders who plans on going to Cornell dreams of becoming a programmer for Apple. She says the ability to manipulate computers to do what she wants fascinates her. Another thing the senior knows how to manipulate is the pole. As a junior, Enders vaulted 12’0 at the state tournament to take home her first ever title. She attributes her success to a new coaches and new technique.
“I’ve learned the correct technique. Most people before then would have me use my speed and high grip and have me clear the bar without teaching me any form or technique. This year we fixed my plant which was horrible since I was used to giant poles I could barely bend and it’s going much better. If we get that done and make it so I stop pushing myself away from the pole at the top it’ll make my vault a lot more consistent.”
After winning the Golden South in a personal best 12’6, Enders improved over a foot in her junior year. She says it is that momentum that has her headed to another state title and a state record.
“My goal for this year is a state record for sure and hopefully the all-time state record. I definitely want to go 13’6. I’ve gone up a foot every year and if I stick to that 13’6 should be the minimum to my limits.”
Enders, who began as a sprinter in the 6th grade, and has made it to states in the 100 hurdles every year since the 8th grade, only started vaulting as a freshman. Despite being her most recent event, it’s arguably her best, and her favorite.
“My favorite event is the pole vault definitely because it’s so different and it combines all of my talents into one thing and plus it is quite fun to fall from that high up.”
A 12 foot free fall might thrilling to some but scary to others. For those, the Holy Trinity senior offers up these calming words.
“It looks scary but it's actually really hard to hurt yourself vaulting. The poles are meant to bend and help you. You just have to let the pole do its job. A lot of people think you have to help yourself but really it’s just setting yourself up to be able to use the pole. I guess you could say there is an adrenaline rush when you’re clearing the bar that high in the air and looking down, you’re not holding onto anything. It’s like flying for a brief few seconds.”
Enders hopes to take her pole vaulting to new heights, and soar to places unseen at Cornell.
“The Cornell coach said that they haven’t had a female represent them in the Olympics yet. I’d love to be the first.”
Personal Bests
100 Meter Hurdles
14.66
100 Meter Dash
12.91
200 Meter Hurdles
29.96
300 Meter Hurdles
47.05
Pole Vault
12-6
Triple Jump
32-1.25
Getting To Know Lindsey Enders
What is the hardest thing you've ever done? “I had to compete at regionals with the flu and I no heighted but somehow managed to get 2nd in the hurdles and move to state in that and for 4x100.”
Best vacation you've ever had? “The best vacation I ever had was when I went to Hawaii in the 5th grade.”
Final thoughts: “I want to thank my family for always being there and supporting me, Coach Falk for being a great coach, Coach Butler for putting all the meets together and keeping the Holy Trinity track team coherent and fun and flrunners for letting me do this interview.”
