Almost a year after breaking DePauw's pole vault record in 2013, senior and Tennessee native Jillian Balser beat her own record this past weekend by two inches, at 10 feet six inches. She was one of six DePauw Tigers to win first place for the women's track team last weekend at the Tiger Small College Indoor Track and Field Invitational. Last year, Balser's performance took the pole jump record off the hands of then- senior Taryn Owens.
Owens earned her achievements the week before Balser stole the record, at the DePauw Classic. At the Classic, Owens won the pole vault at 3.13 meters (10-3.25 feet), and Balser came in second place, jumping 3.05 meters (10 feet). The following week, Balser surprisingly out jumped herself by four inches, shattering the DePauw record books at 10 feet, four inches. This year, with Balser's mentor and good friend graduated, Balser outperformed herself, jumping 10 feet six inches at the 2014 Tiger Track Invitational.
Considering that the track and field season has just started, and Balser's last competitive meet was almost nine months before last week's Invitational, Balser has the position to have a huge impact on the Tigers' track program in her last year of eligibility. Balser started out with the Tigers in 2011, but was not on the women's track roster in 2012. That year, DePauw only placed first once, at the Fred Wilt Invitational in Anderson, Ind. In 2013, Balser returned to the team after her sophomore year break. She saw Owens dominate the first few meets of the season, getting first place in the pole vault at the Tiger Small College Indoor Invitational. A week later, Balser saw Owens break the school record at the DePauw Indoor Classic. The following week, however, Balser stepped up to take her DePauw Track legacy and took the record from Owens.
At this year's Tiger Small College Invitational, Balser again jumped her way into the DePauw track record books. Balser looks at her growth and maturity as a big reason for her current success.
"I think that I have gained maturity as an athlete over the years," Balser said. "I am both physically and mentally stronger than I was as a younger vaulter. Pole vaulting, as with all other events, can be such a mental game, so half the battle for me has been learning to be more calm and confident in the midst of stressful situations and competitions."
Heather O'Brien, a sophomore from Indianapolis, Ind., has witnessed both of Balser's record-breaking performances at the James A. Hollensteiner Track. O'Brien had success of her own, finishing first in the mile run, in 5:27.76, basked in the success of Balser, her teammate of two years.
"I think [Balser's record] gave us a good attitude for the upcoming meets," said O'Brien. "Being the first meet, already breaking her record, it gives the rest of us confidence."
O'Brien has done well in her short time with the Tigers' program thus far. She is now in the position Balser had last year. Like Blaser had the advice of Owens readily available, O'Brien has the advice of Blaser.
"Jillian and I are very close inside and outside of track," O'Brien said. "We have similar mindsets; both devoted and motivated athletes."
Other seniors on the track team witnessed Balser's improvement over her time at DePauw. One in particular, Beth Conley (Portage, Ind.), said that Balser has grown both on and off the track.
"Jillian has always been a dependable teammate over the past four years," Conley said. "This year more than ever she has stepped into a captains position. I know she has been a great mentor for my freshman sister [Becca Conley]."
Conley offered up another testament to Balser's determination and outstanding character. According to Conley, Balser has been suffering from back problems due to her pole vault competitions. Even with her problems, Conley says that Balser has never stopped smiling.
Balser and the rest of the Tiger's track and field program will be back in action this Saturday at the DePauw Invitational.