Apex Vaulting is a club that began in the Spring of 2007. And in its inaugural year it saw its athletes reach new heights. Tim Blashford was able to reach higher than any by placing 3rd at the New Jersey State Meet of Champions (MOC). He also holds the Group Three North 1 State Sectional record at 14’7”. (He broke a record that stood for 35 years.) Since then Apex Vaulting continues to grow in number and performance level. Below you will find some descriptions of our athletes and their performances last year. If you are interested in joining our family of athletes please feel free to contact us at:
email: branko720@aol.com phone: (201) 669-1828
And remember Apex Vaulting is a USA Track and Field Club and our members must me USATF members. To join USATF visit www.usatf.org. Our club ID is 969.
Below: Michelle Favre competing at Nike Outdoor Nationals. (2009)
Michelle Favre had the most impressive season in Apex history during the 2007-2008 school year. She improved her sophomore personal record of 10’6” to 12’1” in her junior year. She is now the best female pole vaulter in Bergen county history. She was also the group one state champion indoors and outdoors and placed 4th indoors at MOC’s and 5th outdoors at MOC’s. She also went on to place 13th and 12th at Nike Indoor Nationals and Nike Outdoor National respectively. After completing her high school career with a 5th place finish in the state she will move on to Ramapo college and continue to compete.
Craig Van Leeuwen, in his second year with the club, improved his personal record from 14‘6” to 17’5” ranking him 36th.
Pete Matano has probably improved more than any other club member. In 2007, the club’s inaugural year, Matano improved his personal record of 11’6” to 13’. Then one year later, he cleared 14’ to become part of the 2nd team all area team. He is currently vaulting for Monmouth University and has a new personal record of 14’9” as a hawk.
Above: Moments before Pete Matano clears 14’ at State Groups.
Below: Melissa Meggiolaro after her victory at the Bishop Laughlin Games.
Melissa Meggiolaro had a very successful senior year. She improved her personal record of 10’6” to 11’6” and came in second only to Favre in group one competition. She now vaults for Villanova University.
Apex Vaulting USATF ID # 969 email: branko720@aol.com phone:(201) 669-1828
Chelsea Hartigan of Ramapo High School is having a tremendous year. In her first year with Apex she has improved her former personal record of 9’6” to 11’6” to become one of only five girls to clear 11’ or higher in Bergen county. She also finished 7th at the state meet of champs outdoors as a junior.
The Apex Vaulting logo was created by artist Chris Chimento. If you are interested in looking at anymore of his work please contact me. Also if you are in need of any screen printing I know of a great place. (Branko720@aol.com)
Adam Lazor is one of Apex Vaulting’s first vaulters. He is also one of the most technically sound jumpers and surely is one of the most enjoyable to watch. He is currently the indoor Passaic County record holder at 14’ and has improved his personal record to 14’3” during his freshman year at Ramapo College.
Brad McNamara continues the Apex tradition of Passaic County Champs with his victory in 2009. He improved his personal record of 11’6” by two feet and enters his freshman year of college with a personal record of 13’6” and will continue to improve.
Dave Cariello joined Apex Vaulting during his senior year (2009). Dave is probably the most athletic athlete to join Apex, and is now the second best high school vaulter in Apex history. He jumped 14’3” at the North II Group III sectional championships during the 2009 spring track season. He will be attending Cornell in the fall and will be competing for their track team.
Kurt Dunn is 17’3” vaulter who has begun training with Apex Vaulting this past year and is working towards raising his personal record and qualifying for such meets as USA Nationals.
