Prior to this indoor season, Matt Hazelgren's claim to fame on MileStat.com was being the belly flop champion at the 2007 Blue Ridge Running Camp. Thankfully, Hazelgren (pictured above by John Herzog) has developed a few more skills and talents since then including become one of the state's pole vaulters this year. Hazelgren is coming off a personal best and state leading clearance of 15'3" at the Northwest Regional Championships and will be favored at the AAA State Meet against another 15 plus foot vaulter in Matt Hoogland of Lake Braddock, who Hazelgren has defeated twice in head-to-head competition this season.
Interview with Matt Hazelgren
MileStat.com: The pole vault was not your primary event starting out in track as you have competed in a wide range of events. How did the event evolve into becoming your specialty?
Matt Hazelgren:: I'd always wanted to try pole vaulting, so I tried it freshmen year even though I still considered myself a distance runner. Eventuall...