Photo of Samuel Abati (Reagan)
UIL 6A Boys Pole Vault
Reagan senior Samuel Abati had some unfinished business in the UIL 6A Boys pole vault after finishing in second place in 2023. He entered the meet with a best vault of 17-6 this year and he was able to take home the gold medal by clearing 15-9, 16-3 and 16-6 on his first attempts. He went out at 17-0, but he had already secured the top spot.
Only six vaulters cleared the opening height of 14-6 and by the time Abati entered the competition only Robert Austin of Katy Seven Lakes and Ethan Saenz of Buda Johnson remained. Austin cleared 15-9 on his first attempt and Saenz went over on his second attempt. At 16-3, Abati went over on his first try, Austin cleared on his third attempt and Saenz went out.
Abati went first at 16-6 and cleared the height forcing Austin to pass and try to clear 16-9. Austin was unable to get over 16-9 and had to settle for the silver medal while Saenz nabbed the bronze.