Gill Athletics Field Fest
Gill Athletics factory was the site of the Annual Field Fest competition that has attracted many of the best pole vaulters and throwers in the USA. On Saturday, July 7, elite pole vaulters, discus throwers, and shot putters from across the country competed for a $9000 prize purse at this Seventh Annual Factory Field Event Competition.
On Sunday, July 8 the Open division features approximately 80 vaulters and throwers who competed throughout the day in this very unique venue. Coaches and athletes participated in a Pole Vault and Throws symposium, featuring nationally known coaches speaking on their specialties, and hosted by John Godina and Jeff Hartwig.
Notes Gill Athletics CEO & President David Hodge, “This year we combined our factory vaults and throws into one event; The Field Fest. The world class competition included 5 Olympians and brought great excitement and energy to the competition.” In the vault, four USA Olympic team vaulters were on hand to compete and sign autographs. Team Pacer athletes Derek Miles, Jeremy Scott and Becky Holliday were joined by 2008 Olympic Silver medalist Jenn Suhr to highlight the fields. The men’s event was won by Jordan Scott with a clearance at 18’5”, while Miles finished second at 17’9”. In the ladies field, Jenn Suhr thrilled the crowd with a very impressive clearance at 15’10”. She took some great attempts at 16’2” which would have eclipsed her own American Record. Mary Saxer and Kylie Hutson finished 2nd and 3rd respectively.
John Godina, 3x World Champion and 2x Olympic medalist noted “the Midwest was treated to a complimentary display of incredible performances. With the World lead in the Shot Put from Christian Cantwell and attempts at an American Record in the Pole Vault from Jenn Suhr, the Field Fest once again delivered just what it was built to be … A world class meet in an alfalfa field, just because Gill can”. Cantwell won the Athlete of the Meet with a 2012 world best toss of 22.31M (73’ 2”). Suzy Powell, 3x Olympian, won the women’s discus competition 60.16M (197’ 6”).
