Warren Central senior Terry Batemon is one of the top pole vaulters in Indiana and throughout the nation. Batemon placed seventh at last year's New Balance Indoor Nationals with a personal best vault of 15'9. This year he believes he can not only go above 16 feet, but possibly 17. See how he got started in the sport, what else he is looking forward to this season, and more.
How did you become a pole vaulter?
I actually saw it on television when I was in middle school and I thought it looked really fun. I didn't know where they performed that event because I had never seen it before then. I was at Illinois at the time because my dad was in the military. We moved to Indiana my freshman year of high school. When track season started I saw some upperclassmen pole vaulting and I wanted to try it.
You became a fast learner jumping 9'0 within the first couple days, correct?
Yes, I jumped that on the second day ever doing it including practice. I jumped 11'6 that year, 14'3 my sophomore year, and from then on I knew it was my sport.
Pole vault isn't the only event you compete in. What other events do you do?
My freshman year I was an all around track guy. I did the pole vault, 100, 200 and ran on the freshman 4x100 team. My freshman and sophomore year I didn't really compete in many other events. I did hurdles here and there, but mainly for the fun of it. We had fast enough teammates so I didn't really have to compete in any other events. In addition to the pole vault, I plan on doing the same events and possibly some other jumps.
You also play on Warren Central's football team. After the loss to Carmel you decided to take your training to another level. How has playing football made you a better track and field athlete and vice versa?
Track is my last hope for a state title and I am very hungry. The coaches are very understandable about their athletes futures. Football knew that track came first. As soon as football was over I started my training for track and field. The speed does help in football. My speed played an important role on where I was on the depth chart. My determination comes from football and to sum it all up I am motivated by my determination.
What meets are you looking forward to for your senior season?
I am looking forward to all the big meets like Indoor and Outdoor conference, Indoor and Outdoor State, Warren Relays (senior night), and possibly any national meets if I decide to go.
You've won a state championship in football, came in second your freshman year for track, and won the indoor state meet your junior year. What are your goals for 2012?
I want to go 16'6 or higher indoors and hopefully break the indoor state record by jumping 16'7. I'd like to go 17'o over the course of the year. I also want to take down Corey Shanks state meet record. I'm hungry! I'm actually getting excited just thinking about it. If he can go 15'6.25" to 17'00" the next year then I can do it too. I can't even tell you how bad I want this.
What do you love most about track and field and specifically the pole vault?
I love the pole vault and it is my best event. It puts excitement in my life. I'm sort of like an adrenaline junkie when I do it. I really like doing all the events. Track and field is the best sport ever to me. It doesn't matter who runs, jumps or throws, I get excited to watch them do it. I like the competition everyone gives each other. When I talk to other people I like seeing their comments on what they want to achieve in track and how they will achieve it.
Next year you are planning on running for the University of Indiana. What are you looking forward to most about being a Hoosier?
I want to help this team improve, win a Big Ten Championship, and do better at the NCAA Championships. Personally I want to turn heads by winning a Big Ten Championship and going to the NCAA Championships and competing very well there. I want to score points for my team in every big meet. I am looking forward to one day being the top team in the Big Ten and in the nation. What made me really commit to Indiana was the fact that I felt at home and could be myself there.
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