The Record

Blazer sets pole vault record

By: Rachel Fenske

First-year Danielle Busch has made a noticeable improvement as a sprinter and pole vaulter for the Blazer track & field team.

Recently Busch was named the MIAC Women’s Outdoor Field Athlete of the Week for her latest accomplishment in pole vaulting. Busch tied for first place in the pole vault at the Manitou Classic April 17 at St. Olaf College. She jumped 3.55 meters (11-7.75 ft) meeting an NCAA provisional and tying the school’s record set by Rhonda Swanson in 1999.

“I didn’t even know that MIAC awarded an athlete of the week, so I was very surprised to find out that I was chosen,” said Busch. “It’s a really great honor to be recognized for our school.”

To name a few additional achievements this season, Busch placed second in the pole vault jumping 3.27 meters on February 27 at the St. Olaf Invite. On the second and final day of the MIAC Championships, she placed second in the pole vault jumping 3.35 meters. Lastly, Busch placed first in the pole vault at 3.50 meters on March 27 at the CSB/SJU Invitational.

“We knew she was going to be successful in collegiate vaulting but she has progressed incredibly fast,” track and field coach Robin Balder-Lanoue said. “She is truly passionate about the sport and expects the best out of herself every time she competes.”

Busch started competing for track and field in seventh grade and picked up pole vaulting her sophomore year of high school.

“Danielle has always been an amazing athlete and it didn’t take long for her to catch on (to pole vaulting),” first-year teammate Erin Sand said. “Every year she keeps getting stronger and better, and excels more and more.”

As Busch improves her vaults, she recognizes her strengths and the areas of her vaulting that still needs improvement.

“Some of my strengths are bringing the speed and power that are both necessary to get a good swing and get up to the high heights,” Busch said. “I have improved so much this year compared to last year with my form. I’m now able to focus on fixing individual parts of my vault which will in turn all add up to the whole vault. One of my weaknesses is still getting my body all the way upside down when trying to get higher.”

Busch’s athleticism does not go unnoticed by her fellow teammate as she sets out to accomplish her goals.

“Danielle is dedicated and always strives for her best,” Sand said. “Although she is confident in her ability to achieve, she is very humble about how great of an athlete she really is.”

Busch’s vast improvement this year makes her a top contender for the NCAA Qualifiers on May 20 and a potential qualifier for nationals.

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