Luke Beattie finishes second in the nation in pole vault

Warwick Valley High School junior Luke Beattie cleared 17'7" to take second place in the New Balance Nationals Outdoor at Franklin Field in Philadelphia, June 19 through 22. The height is a personal best for Luke.

If you follow the news out of Wildcat Country, then you probably know all about Luke's stellar track and field career so far. But just to recap his impressive record...  

• Luke is a five-time New York State pole vault champion
• a four-time All-American
• the all-time New York State pole vault record holder at 17'7", one of only four juniors in the US to ever clear that height
• a Wildcats indoor and outdoor track team captain since his freshman year
• a Wildcats indoor and outdoor track team MVP all four years of high school
• was the NYS class pole vault record holder in 7th (indoors), 9th (indoors & outdoors), 10th (indoors & out), and 11th (indoors & out)
• the WVHS record holder in pole vault, the 55 meter, 100 meter, 200 meter, 400 meter, and the 4x100 and 4x200 relay teams

"Luke is a true generational talent on both the state and national levels, who has etched his mark in the record books for a long time to come," said Warwick Valley Wildcats coach Michael Potter. "He is not only a great athlete but a tremendous leader, having served as our team captain for Indoor & Outdoor Track. He has never shied away from doing what is best for the team, whether competing in four events at each dual meet or doing an event outside of his specialty. Luke is a tireless worker who spends countless hours at the pole vault facility with Coach Tim St. Lawrence, and has dedicated himself to team practice as well, under the watchful eyes of Coaches Curtis Akacki and Ron Introini."

Congratulations, Luke!