Oregon’s Mennen hopes to bring indoor success outdoors

Oregon’s Jake Mennen has had no trouble qualifying for the Class 1A state track & field meet twice in his career.

Recording a height in the pole vault in Charleston has been a different story.

He’s hoping a great start to his final season with the Hawks propels him to state once more as a senior.

Mennen started vaulting in seventh grade. Baseball went out the window once he fell in love with the event.

“It looked like the scariest event,” Mennen said. “It felt like something that could give me that adrenaline rush, and it looked like the most fun.”

Mennen developed into a sectional champion as a sophomore, clearing 13 feet, 6 inches. He advanced to state last year by clearing 12-8 despite sustaining a sprained ankle in the hurdles.

“He works at being a good athlete,” Oregon coach Jim Spratt said. “He does everything he’s supposed to in our strength and conditioning class, and does every workout by the book. Plus, he’s a sponge for information.”

A football injury last fall cost Mennen time on the gridiron, but he recovered in time to start training over Christmas break. He made trips to Lewis University in Romeoville on Sundays, and enjoyed a stellar indoor season.

Mennen already recorded a personal best by clearing 14 feet at a meet in early March at the Westwood Sports Complex in Sterling.

“He takes care of himself physically, and really focuses on the technical work,” Spratt said. “He gets the most out of himself, and he’s reaping the rewards. He deserves it.”

At 6-foot-2 and 175 pounds, Mennen is already physically gifted, but a technical change has made the difference this season. He starts his vaults by running with high knees before approaching flying over the bar.

“That’s something I’ve always been told since my freshman year,” Mennen said. “Pole vaulters are supposed to run with their knees high. I actually started doing it this year, and it’s helped me a ton with my speed.”

One of Mennen’s main goals this season is to break the Oregon school record of 14-7.

“I’ve learned to be happy with what I get,” Mennen said. “My first goal was to make 14 feet. Now, I’d love to break the school record and get 15 feet.”

In addition to being one of the best vaulters in the area, Mennen has also developed as a leader for the Hawks. He has taken the lessons he’s learned throughout the years and passed along information to several teammates who also compete in the event.

“Pole vaulting is something that’s really fun to help out with,” Mennen said. “I enjoy working with the other kids instead of just by myself, and they’re all great to work with.”