Summit's Gavin Fleck claims 6A boys pole vault crown by edging buddy Jenson Molebash of Bend on tiebreaker

Fleck became the first Storm vaulter to win a state title since Eric Jorgensen in the 5A meet in 2011.

By René Ferrán | Photo by Leon Neuschwander 

The virtues of clean living don’t just apply to everyday life. 

They also come into play on the pole vault runway, as Summit senior Gavin Fleck knew coming into the Class 6A boys track and field state championships Friday at Hayward Field in Eugene. 

Fleck was clean over the bar on each of his attempts through 15 feet, while his main rival (and buddy) Jenson Molebash of Bend needed three attempts to get over 14-3 and 14-6.

Those misses proved the difference when both eventually went out at 15-3. Fleck’s clean sheet gave him the tiebreaker, making him the first Summit vaulter to win a state title since Eric Jorgensen in the 5A meet in 2011. 

“When it comes to attempts, it can get tricky,” Fleck said. “So, I just love to hit it clean each time, then go for PRs from there. When it comes to higher bars, it’s OK to miss and just do your best.”

Friday’s meet was the first time Fleck made 15-0 in his career, and he had a good try at 15-3 on his first attempt.

“I just barely grazed it off,” he said. “The other two, I got more and more tired, but that first one, I’m really disappointed that I didn't get it. But I’m really happy that I got first. It feels really great.” 

—

Best photos from Day 1 of 6A, 5A, 4A Oregon high school track and field state championships

Best photos from Day 2 of 6A, 5A, 4A Oregon high school track and field state championships