By ERIC VICCARO
sports@bowienewsonline.com

The University Interscholastic League state track and field meet provided special memories for many.
But, none more so than Saint Jo’s Sarah Patrick, who claimed the gold medal in the Conference 1A girls’ pole vault on Friday afternoon at Mike A. Myers Stadium on the University of Texas campus.
Patrick marked at 10-feet, 3-inches, which was three inches better than Lexi Wagner from Cherokee. Payton Hastings of Garden City earned the bronze (9-3).
“I changed my running technique on the runway, and I used a bigger pole,” Patrick said.
Patrick said the bigger pole threw her higher into the air. It’s an amazing finish for an athlete who took up the pole vault just two years ago.
On Sunday night, United States Highway 82 was lined with well-wishers welcoming their gold medalist home.
“Saint Jo has been so supportive of me,” said Patrick, who also competed in volleyball, golf and tennis for the Lady Panthers. Read more in the May 18 Bowie News.

Sarah Patrick clears the bar at 10-feet, 3-inches during the University Interscholastic League Conference 1A pole vault on Friday afternoon at Mike A. Myers Stadium in Austin. Patrick claimed Saint Jo’s first gold medal in 18 years. (News photo by Travis Harsch)