Szamlewski wants to soar

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McHenry senior Corey Szamlewski admitted he always was reckless, someone willing to take risks.

Szamlewski, a daredevil, definitely is in the right track and field event.

Szamlewski recalled the McHenry track and field camp he attended during the summer after he completed eighth grade. The Warriors’ coaches were there helping prospective athletes with several events, but Szamlewski eyed the pole vault in particular.

Szamlewski has specific goals in mind when he vaults at the IHSA Class 3A Guilford Track and Field Sectional today, and likely at the IHSA Boys State Meet next weekend in Charleston.

All seven area Class 3A athletes will compete at Guilford. Most of the area’s Class 2A schools, including Fox Valley Conference champion Crystal Lake Central, will compete at Grayslake North.

“I’m kind of content where I am,” said Szamlewski, who, with a 15-foot, 3-inch vault, has flown higher than any other McHenry County area athlete ever. “I think I could be going higher. The day before [conference], I was making 16-6 in practice. That night it wasn’t very nice. There was a cross wind, it got chilly and it rained a little bit.”

Szamlewski still made 15-1⁄2 to win the FVC title.

“The lousy weather has been a detriment,” Warriors coach Dave D’Angelo said. “It’s hard to get in a rhythm. One day it will be OK, but the next day we might not even be able to practice outside. We really thought he was going to get 16-0 last week. We’re excited about the potential, I wouldn’t be surprised if he goes 16 [at the sectional].”

Szamlewski was the Class 3A runner-up last year to Lake Park’s Zach Ziemek, the vaulter he again is chasing this year. They both made 15-0 at state, but Ziemek had fewer misses.

As often is the case with vaulters, Szamlewski might need a heavier pole to reach where he wants. He has been vaulting on a 15-0 pole rated at 170 pounds, but wants to have switched to a 15-0, 175-pound-rated pole by the state meet. That could give him the extra boost he needs for 16-0.

“I’m planning to hit 16-0,” Szamlewski said. “I think I can still do it with a good couple weeks here.”

Szamlewski also recently made his college choice. He said he probably would sign with Northern Iowa next week.