Inglemoor’s Kramers notches record-setting state pole-vault title, wins decathlon crown

Viking is set to vault at UW next season

It’s been quite a spring for Inglemoor senior Kim Kramers.

Last month, she set a 4A state record in winning the pole-vault title and then she notched the state decathlon championship.

At the state meet at Mount Tahoma High, Kramers vaulted 12 feet, 7.5 inches to win the title. The former state record was a 12-7 in 2015 by Caleigh Lofstead of Camas.

In an email to the Reporter on Wednesday, Kramers noted that she was surprised and relieved when she flew higher than ever to set the record. That’s because she cleared the bar on her third attempt, after missing on the first two tries.

“I didn’t think I could make it on my last attempt, so when I did, I was so surprised! I was also relieved because I knew I had the ability because I had practiced so hard for it. So when I finally did it at state, I was so relieved!!” she said.

The University of Washington-bound Viking won the decathlon crown with 4,681 points at the 48th Annual Dennis McDonald Multi Events State Championships on June 1-2 at Lake Stevens High. The 10-event competition included the 100-meter, 400-meter and 1,500-meter runs; 100-meter hurdles; pole vault, shot put, discus, javelin, high jump and long jump.

In an earlier interview with the Reporter, Kramers said that when athletes put all the details of a vault together — which includes loads of mental/physical strength and confidence — and ultimately clear the bar, it’s a rewarding feeling.

“Of course, it is also the flying feeling because if you do everything correctly, the pole can ‘sling shot’ you off of it,” she said. “It is definitely a thrilling sport to not only watch but to do.”