May 2, 2013
For someone so talented, men’s track & field senior captain Jimmy Alexis maintains a levelheaded approach and modest attitude each time he enters an athletic competition. On April 27, he literally brought his collegiate career record to new heights when he earned the title of Men’s Pole Vaulting Champion at the NESCAC Outdoor Championships hosted by Tufts University. A Hamilton athlete has not won this event in the NESCACs since 2009. Alexis reached a height of 4.45 meters, which was 0.15 meters higher than the runner-up from Bates attained.
Alexis described the event as “bitter sweet” because while it felt great to win, this was his first time competing since a hamstring injury left him unable to compete after the first meet of the season. Therefore, Alexis had to work very hard to stay in shape off the runway. He kept his strength up by doing pull ups and acrobatics on the high bar, as well as trampoline and pool workouts. Obviously, all of his hard work paid off last weekend. Alexis felt that earning the title of Pole Vault Champion “is a true honor,” especially because the NESCACs are more competitive than states.
However, Alexis sees this strong performance as just one step in the direction of his ultimate goal for the season: getting to nationals. He said that prior to this season, “my goal was to win NESCACs; it was always something I wanted.” But, having started off this season performing better than ever, Alexis admited that his goals for the season began to shift. “I started to look past NESCACs.” He added that, “though I was happy to win, at the same time I want to get to nationals.”
Having run cross-country in high school, Alexis started his collegiate athletic career at Hamilton sprinting. However, he has also been pole vaulting since his sophomore year of high school. After the coach approached him one day asking him to consider competing to defend the district’s titles and earn points for their school, Alexis decided it was time to aim his talents in a new direction.
While Coach Brett Hull was impressed by Alexis’ performance, it did not come as a surprise. “In the past he has been able to overcome such injuries and perform well ... it was a pleasure to see him... persevere and win the NESCAC title.” Additionally, Hull praises Alexis for his leadership role on the team. Hull said, “he is the type of glue that holds the team together ... He’s always had an infectious personality and used that to lead his peers.”
After recovering from his injury, Alexis has conquered NESCAC and his possibilities for postseason are endless.
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