Birkmeier vaults state record!

Defending D1 pole vault champ Sarah Birkmeier lofted herself over state record 12-3 tonight in a MITS meet at Cornerstone University in Grand Rapids. The Rockford junior topped the old best of 12-1 set by East Kentwood's Abby Shanahan at the MITS finals in 2007. Coached by Kevin Patterson, Birkmeier has steadily improved over the years and is now poised to become the best vaulter in state history. The outdoor state record is 12-7 by Dexter's Becca Pilkerton, set last season. Birkmeier's outdoor best of 11-11 is the state 10th grade record.