Nothing in Sarah Bentley’s life predicted she would become a pole vaulter.

She never had any experience in gymnastics, and her dance experience never gave her an advantage. She doesn’t even consider herself very flexible. While growing up, she played soccer.

It was a surprise to both her and her family that she decided to become a pole vaulter. Frankly, her mother thought it was a bizarre sport. Now after eight years competing in the sport, Bentley is finishing her competitive career as a senior on the Syracuse track and field team.

‘My mom in the beginning didn’t know what pole vaulting was,’ Bentley said. ‘She began to figure out things I did wrong or needed to do after attending meets. She eventually got comfortable with it.’

Bentley became a pole vaulter because her high school track coach during her freshman year asked her. She began in 1998, the first time females were allowed to compete in the sport in the New York state.

‘At the time, in some other states girls were still not allowed to pole vault,’ Bentley said. ‘I wasn’t nervous because everyone was at the same level as I was, so I didn’t feel outcasted.’

Bentley has never had any fears of participating in her beloved sport. The first year she became a pole vaulter she fractured her head, but that didn’t stop her. Injuries all through her sophomore year in college also never stopped her. She feels hesitation can only cause disastrous outcomes.

‘Pole vaulting isn’t an event you can be afraid to do,’ Bentley said. ‘Vaulting is a pretty mental sport. After awhile you have to jump a lot at practice otherwise your jumps at meets can be scored low. A person can be discouraged from getting low marks or not clearing.’

The dedication Bentley commits to the sport has been consistent throughout all the years. Her commitment started to peak her senior year at Scotia-Glenville High School in Schenectady, N.Y., when she began commuting three hours to Boston from Albany to practice with a special pole vaulting coach. During college her career suffered because she had several injuries, but she remained loyal to the sport.

‘I think it tremendously helped her by going to the club,’ said Brenda Santiago, Bentley’s mother. ‘The time it takes to go six hours in the car for one day shows her determination and drive for the sport. She never got frustrated. It’s what she loves.’

When Syracuse assistant coach Enoch Borozinski met her, he noticed right away she had great knowledge of the sport. Borozinski started coaching Bentley’s sophomore year and witnessed her injured shoulder, but knew she was committed. This year during the indoor track season, Borozinski witnessed Bentley set her personal best record of 3.5 meters and winning the individual award at the Penn State Open on Jan. 14.

‘It was one of the best things to see when she set her personal best and to finally see what she was capable of accomplishing,’ Borozinski said. ‘We made some great technical improvements. I think we can get a few more (personal records) before we get into the Big East championship.’

Bentley is anticipating the outdoor season because she is working with Borozinski on a new run, which focuses on using her speed more. Bentley wants to have fun her last season and say goodbye in a positive way.

‘We are finally getting her to run,’ Borozinski said. ‘She’s the fastest out of all the pole vaulters speed-wise; she just needs to be able to use her speed in her jumps. She’ll need to focus on the mental part to go up higher in poles, with the speed we are moving up to.’

After all the years spent competing in pole vaulting, Bentley will have to find out what is there to life besides scheduled practices. Her mother thinks the possibility of later down the road to be a part of community by becoming a coach. But for now, Bentley is concentrating on having a memorable last season.

‘I know when I’m done I’ll miss it,’ Bentley said. ‘It’s really scary to think it’s almost done I’ve been going to different types of practices since I was 5, I don’t know what its like not to have to go to practice. I think it’s the right time to stop after the season, my body needs a much-needed rest.’

Published on March 21, 2006 at 12:00 pm