Center Grove pole vaulter Khloie Walker awaits her turn at last season’s state meet.
Rob Baker | For the Daily Journal
The only thing better than scaling an awards podium is seeing your best friend on a nearby perch.
Center Grove juniors Khloie Walker and Hannah Smith are putting in the work required to possibly make that happen at the state meet in May.
Either way, there will be no shortage of fun trying.
“We are very silimar. Goofball would definitely be a word to describe us,” Smith said, laughing. “It’s definitely a dream of ours to share the podium and get medals. There would definitely be a lot of smiles. A lot of hugs.”
Walker made it there last season, placing third by clearing 12 feet — an impressive showing for a sophomore. Smith, who had undergone surgery on her right knee only 11 months earlier, also qualified for state but went out at 10 feet, 6 inches.
Walker and Smith are among each other’s most ardent supporters. Jealousy has never been part of the equation.
“Hannah always encourages me when I need it, and I help her,” Walker said. “We’re always going to be happy for each other. It’s nice having that support system, and having someone there to encourage you.”
Like many female pole vaulters past and present, the juniors were gymnasts in their younger years. It’s how they met in the first place, their similar interests strengthening the connection as they grew older.
“We have been best friends the majority of our lives, actually. We met when we were six or seven,” Smith said. “In seventh grade, we were both at the same (gymnastics) level, were at a lot of the same meets and bonded over that.”
On March 23, Walker and Smith took part in the Nike Hoosier State Relays indoor track and field meet at the Indiana State Fairgrounds in Indianapolis, placing fifth (11-9) and sixth (11-6), respectively. Greenwood senior Amy Luttrell finished third, going 12-3.
Smith’s height was a new personal best, eclipsing the 10-9 she vaulted at regional last season. Not surprisingly, Walker was among the first to congratulate her.
There’s an old saying in sports that styles make fights. In the case of Walker and Smith, they also make flights. Walker’s approach to competition is very detailed; Smith’s approach to pole vaulting differs.
“I think about pieces and putting them together. I take it step by step,” Walker said. “Hannah doesn’t overthink as much as I do. She can just go and be fine.”
Center Grove coach Wes Dodson likes the progress his pole vaulters continue to make, and looks forward to seeing what they can accomplish as the season plays out.
“They are always getting better and better, and they work together so well,” Dodson said. “Khloie and Hannah are the best of friends, and they challenge each other at the same time. They are always in a good mood, but they’re focused and know what they’re doing.”
The Trojans started the outdoor potion of their schedule at the Columbus North Invitational earlier this month. Next up are the Royal Relays at Hamilton Southeastern this Saturday and the Johnson County meet at Whiteland next Tuesday.
The spring should offer plenty of opportunities for Smith to take her personal best to 11-9, and perhaps even 12 feet. Walker, too, could be in for a special season, especially considering the two vaulters who placed 1-2 at state last June have since graduated.
Just maybe Smith and Walker can walk together to the podium, smiling and laughing all the way.
