The "What Are The Chances Of Two In One Family?" Story

It was an ordinary day.  Looking back over a story I had posted on Sunday, May 6, 2018 telling about the pole vaulting skills of a young woman, Mackenzie Horn, who was a student athlete at Manheim Township High School where I had taught for many years.  I had made a trip to the high school to watch her practice as well as take a few photos of her practice session to share with you. 

Mackenzie Horn clearing the bar in 2018.

She was a remarkable athlete who was one of the best high school pole vaulters in the state of Pennsyl- vania. She eventually set the state outdoor record in the pole vault at 13 feet, 7 1/4 inches.  It still stands today.  At the time of my visit, I also took a few photos of her younger sister, Sydney, who was also an accomplished pole vaulter.  But, at the time, she wasn't as successful as her sister.  Well, that was two years ago and now the limelight is on Sydney...sort of!  The only problem is there is no venue for Sydney to showcase her prowess, since the entire track and field season in the state of Pennsylvania has been canceled for this school year.  Hours and hours of practice and participation in track and field meets over the past few years may all be for naught if she can't perform.  

Sydney preparing to clear the bar...

Sydney won the Class AAA pole-vault title at the state track and field meet last spring as well as winning the indoor title in 2019 and again last month at Penn State University.  She is an All-American and the third-ranked female vaulter in the country.  But, there still is a chance that she may be able to perform and try and break her sister's outdoor record.  The New Balance Outdoor Nationals, scheduled for Jun 18-21 at North Carolina A&T University in Greensboro, has not been cancelled...yet!  Sydney believes if she's given one more chance she may break all the records.  In order to keep in shape, with the track and pole vault pit closed at the high school, she has been staying in shape by running, including sprint work and doing core and strength training at home.  But, as reported in an article in the Lancaster Newspaper, pole-vaulting is technique-driven, and Sydney hasn't had a chance to pole-vault in over a month.  

...and making it!

But, I suspect her competition may be in the same situation.  Everyone is hoping that the meet will be held and Sydney will have her one last chance at a record before she heads off to college at High Point (North Carolina) University.  And, that is where the story will continue, being that her sister, Mackenzie, will be her teammate once again next fall.  Let the competition begin...once more!  It was another extraordinary day in the life of an ordinary guy.