Swain County High School senior Matthew Gray made record for highest pole vault in the entire country for this high-school season when he vaulted a height of 16 feet, 8 inches during the home meet this past Wednesday, Jan. 11.
The record has since been beaten by someone from Texas, according to Swain Coach Keith Payne.
Gray told Asheville Citizen-Times he was unsure even at the time if the record would stick. Regardless, it’s an impressive accomplishment for Swain.
Coach Payne sounded glowing with pride about the accomplishment.
“It solidified we have one of the best running programs in the country right here in little old Swain County,” he told Asheville.
Gray already enjoyed high status as a pole vaulter, coming after he set a NCHSAA 1A record outdoor state record with 15’ 2” last season.
But his record-breaking 16’ 8” skyrocketed past even that — it was the highest in WNC by 14 inches, and the Asheville Citizen-Times wrote that it was also the third-highest indoor mark in state history, though most indoor meets are actually held outdoors because there aren’t adequate facilities.
It also would have been the all-time outdoor state record, beating the previous by over two inches, though it didn’t take place during designated outdoor season dates. Outdoor records can be lower due to the difference from the more controlled indoor environments.
Payne said the girls’ team has been doing well - the last five state championship wins for Swain County High were by the girls’ team.
But this record proves that they can train boys for track, too.
“It shows that running is more than just a girls’ sport,” he said. “This puts our boys’ team up to where the girls are.”
“It’s exciting news,” Payne said. “I don’t know that I’ve ever had a number 1 in the country before. I started track in 1987 and have been a part of it ever since - this is the first number 1 I’ve ever had. This proves Matthew belongs on the national stage.”
Payne said Gray’s win will be fortuitous for him going forward as he graduates this year.
“There are a lot of colleges knocking on his door,” he said. “The door is wide open for him. It’s a testament to his hard work.”
Gray has already visited Chapel Hill UNC, which Payne said might be his number one choice so far, but he is looking at visiting Kennesaw State soon as well. He hasn’t committed to a school yet so far as Payne knows.