For many years, Lakes’ pole vault has been a major strong point for the track team. The team has consistently had amazing talent on both the women’s and men’s side. Standout freshman, Bryn Garnier, is no exception. In her short time at Lakes she has implemented herself as a varsity pole vaulter placing 6th in the indoor season at the 2026 Illinois Indoor Championships. She even put up a personal best 12 ‘0 at NLCC Conference which places her second in school history for women’s indoor pole vault.
Her success in part can be credited to long time pole vault coachDan Jazo. Jazo’s experience at the high school level has helped many Lakes athletes reach incredible heights. Jazo is notorious is his unique training methods for his athletes. Each of the pole vaulters are always multi talented and highly conditioned. Bryn Garnier commented on this.
“[I’m] always going the extra mile (in practice). I always try to stay consistent in my conditioning because I know not doing it is only cheating myself and only affects me,” Garnier said.
Although Garnier focuses highly on in practice and sport specific training, she, among other athletes on the team, have a history in other sports. It is very common for pole vaulters to be gymnasts because the sport involves a lot of similar motions and the strength you build transfers well. The training that the pole vaulter is incredibly unique and sport specific. These movements would be unorthodox to other athletes, but to the pole vault athletes, they are absolutely essential.
“People don’t see our high bar routine, which we do every practice,” Garnier said. “(It) consists of many different motions that reinforce our vault while also making us stronger. This is what sets apart good and great vaulters.”
Even with the immense physical capabilities and training that these athletes have, it is still very difficult to get past the mental aspect of the sport. By nature, pole vault is springing yourself several feet in the air with a pole and attempting to to launch yourself over a thin beam. There are many different things to be afraid of; falling on the pole, missing the pad and hitting the ground, landing improperly.
“Even though the sport seems very unsafe, I have the training to protect me, and my body knows what to do,” Garnier said.
“On top of that, my coach is very knowledgeable and would not put me on a pole too big or a grip too high. For me, I just have to remember I know what I am doing.”
With great capabilities comes great responsibility. Because Garnier is a varsity athlete as a freshmen, she will have several years to hone in on her talent and help lead the team. She is already showing her leadership mentality.
“I am very motivated to be the best,” Garnier said. “I try to remember that running through all my attempts is pointless. It’s very easy for me to say this while not vaulting, but another thing I do is gymnastics; my coach tells me my brain can’t tell the difference between being scared or being excited, so if I tell myself I am excited, then I am!”
There will be much time for excitement in the coming weeks with championship season coming for the track team. Good luck to Lakes Track team!
