Kenna Stimmel Recaps Return To Vaulting


Full Meet Replay


Kenna Stimmel made her return to competitive vaulting this past Saturday at the Vault Factory's Fourth of July Bash in Basking Ridge, New Jersey. 

Stimmel, a multiple-time state champion and rising junior at Margaretta, placed third overall in the Elite Division, trailing only national record holder, Leah Pasqualetti (Orchard Park, NY) and Erin Kelleher (Padua Academy, DE). Stimmel cleared 12-9, while Pasqualetti led the way with a successful 13-9 clearance. Similar to Simmel, the meet's runner-up, Kelleher also hit a height of 12-9.  

For Stimmel, Saturday's meet was more about enjoying live competition again than chasing big heights. "It was great to be back after having three months off and I am glad I am able to vault again," she said.

Stimmel employed an aggressive approach, and despite the lengthy lay-off, she wasn't far removed from prime form. "I entered at 11-9, which is actually the highest I've ever started. With it being my first meet back I was a little rusty, but overall I had a pretty good day as I had two really close attempts at 13-3. Overall, I'm just glad that I had an opportunity to compete," she said. 

Next up for Stimmel will be a competition scheduled for July 22nd at the Rocket Man Pole Vault facility in Mooresville - Lake Norman, North Carolina. "As of right now I don't really have a goal, I just want to jump higher than I did this past weekend and I'm hoping to get more of the rust off and go for higher bars and work on technique," said Stimmel when asked about her expectations. 

Coverage - 



Elite Vault Pit (12-9)