Young people are the future, they say. In Mason Meinershagen’s case, she’s paving the way for herself with a smile on her face and a vaulting pole in her hand.

Meinershagen competed in the Missouri State High School Activities Association state track meet on Thursday, May 27, in Jefferson City. She double qualified for high jump and pole vault, and hoped to bring home a state title.

“I was really excited,” said Meinershagen (10). “I showed up with my parents and there were a lot of people in the stands, so the environment was really cool. I was really excited because I had never been to or experienced anything like that.”

Many may have been stressed from the pressure, but Meinershagen certainly proved herself. She broke the school record when she placed third in the high jump with a personal record of 5’7’’. She placed second in pole vault and broke the Class 5 state meet record and school record by clearing 12’9’’. She lost the state champion title to Rachel Homoly (10) from Liberty High School, but only on a technicality.

“I actually jumped the same height as the girl who placed first, but they went by misses. She missed the 12’9’’ height once, and I missed twice but got it on my third attempt,” said Meinershagen.

Along with reaching her own PR, Meinershagen used a bigger pole for the first time at the meet.

“I felt that I gained a lot of knowledge from this meet. That is a good thing because now I can have confidence going into my next meets that I can go on this bigger pole,” said Meinershagen.

Meinershagen was one of two state qualifiers from OHS this year, with Mya Minor (11)  also qualifying for state in the high jump. Not only was she runner up for the state title, but Meinershagen also placed first in districts, sectionals, and conference in the pole vault. The sophomore finished the season ranked first for pole vault and second for high jump in the St. Louis area. 

“I’m going to work hard and continue to work on my form because it’s all about form at this point, and making my technique the best so I can PR more,” said Meinershagen. “I’m going to have fun, because it’s so much fun and I love doing it.”