July 18, 2003
Cullowhee, N.C. - Western Carolina University track and field standout Michelle Velez has spent her summer competing inside and outside the United States in her favorite event, the pole vault. Most recently, she claimed first place in the event at the Puerto Rican Nationals, clearing 12' 10". This marked her best outdoor height of her career.
"On that island, there's always a lot of wind," noted Velez. "However, the way they position things there, we were lucky enough to have a tail wind, so that really helped."
Last year, Velez was chosen to represent Puerto Rico at the Ibero-Americano Games in Guatemala City, Guatemala. There, she placed fourth overall with a mark of 12' 9.5". So how was this year's event different from last year?
"Well, last year they lost my poles on the plane, so this time I was just happy to have my poles," said Velez. "I look forward to the coming years. I look forward to competing in my last season at Western, but I also look forward to competing in more events like this where I can just concentrate on the pole vault. That's what I enjoy the most."
Velez has one more meet she will travel to this summer before returning to Cullowhee for the school year. She will compete in the annual Pan-American Games, held Aug. 1-17, in Santa Domingo, Dominican Republic.
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