By Whitney Bauer
GRAND FORKS, N.D. -- After an NCAA-qualifying vault of 12 feet, 6 inches at the University of South Dakota’s Graphic Edge Alumni Meet, junior pole vaulter and hurdler Jessica Clausnitzer is looking ahead to this weekend’s North Central Conference indoor championships and the beginning of the outdoor track season after that.
Clausnitzer, a pre-optometry major, was recently named the UND Scholar Athlete of the Month and was also named to the NCC Academic Honor Roll.
Last season Clausnitzer was an NCC championship place winner and provisional national qualifier in the pole vault. This season, the Bismarck, N.D., native, has placed first in both of her events, hurdles and pole vault, and is now working to improve her technique.
"I would really, really like to make 13 feet," Clausnitzer said. "That is a life goal for me, something that I set at the beginning of college. It is a point that I would really love to reach and I would really just love to keep getting better."
With just a day until the North Central Conference indoor championship, Clausnitzer continues to train and develop to reach her vaulting goal. The NCC indoor championships are February 29-March 1 in Mankato, Minn.
Q. What do you feel is your biggest strength going into this season?
A. "I feel a lot stronger this year, and so being stronger, in general, is really helping. I feel a lot faster and a little more comfortable."
Q. How do you prepare for each meet?
A. "Work out all week. If I have an injury, take time to mentally prepare, go through the vault. I have never been big into superstitions."
Q. What do you hope to accomplish in your senior year with UND track & field?
A. "I would really like to improve; nationals would also be a personal goal."
Q. The NCC indoor championship is a few days away, what are your feelings going into the meet?
A. "I am feeling good. Each week I feel that I am learning more and improving; so I am feeling pretty good about it. I just got a new pole that I am trying to get on, so that is kind of an accomplishment. I am feeling good about it."
Q. What are some of the team goals for this season?
A. "We always like to try to place in the top three at conference. That is probably our team goal."
Q. How do you feel about competing with/against teammates in your events?
A. "I really like it actually. It is really fun to have another girl on the team, at the same level. It is really fun, we get to practice together and compete together; we are always out really encouraging each other."
Q. Which event do you prefer to compete in -- hurdles or pole vault? Why?
A. "I like pole vaulting better. Pole vaulting is so exciting and so much fun. Once you are into it, you are really in."
Q. What do you like to do outside of track?
A. "Well I do enjoy school. I don’t have much time, so I am kind of boring. I also like to hang out with friends."
Q. What are your future career goals?
A. "I would like to go to optometry school in Oregon or California and then move back to North Dakota to be an optometrist."
Q. What is your favorite part about being a Sioux athlete?
A. "Everything about it. Just wearing the green uniform and the Sioux name. Everything, I like it, it’s nice."
Courtesy: Neil DeKrey, FightingSioux.com
