HHS ATHLETE OF THE WEEK
by Rudy Brandl, Sports Editor
Mark Ksiezopolski is making a habit of winning major meet titles.
Sunday afternoon in Toms River, the Hillsborough High senior added another pole vault title to his impressive resume at the Central Jersey Group 4 Championships.
Ksiezopolski, who tied his own indoor school record with a winning mark of 14 feet, is the Hillsborough Beacon Athlete of the Week.
Last May at his home track in Hillsborough, Ksiezopolski surprised the field with a championship victory at the Somerset County meet. He cleared 13-6 that day and matched that personal record to capture the Central Jersey Group 4 crown a little over two weeks later.
What’s happened since is no surprise. Ksiezopolski has emerged as one of the state’s premier vaulters. He’s cleared 14 feet twice this winter and owns titles at the Somerset County, Skyland Conference and Central Jersey Group 4 championship meets.
Ksiezopolski will chase Dave Minetti’s outdoor HHS record (14-1) this spring, but for now he’s focused on winning the State Group 4 indoor title. He’ll be among the favorites this Saturday when the state’s best athletes from the largest schools compete in Toms River.
”It means a lot,” Ksiezopolski said. “I really hope it happens. I’d be so happy if I could win.”
Ksiezopolski was happy with his form in Saturday’s sectional meet
”I got my run down today,” said Ksiezopolski, who also placed sixth in the 55 hurdles in a time of 8.36 seconds. “At the very top of my jump, when you turn, it felt really good.”
Ksiezopolski just missed three attempts at 14-2, coming really close on the last two. He clinched first place early, so he was able to go for some additional personal glory.
”I went for it but I just hit it on the way down,” he said. “I just missed.”
Ksiezopolski will get another chance Saturday, when he hopes to qualify for the NJSIAA Meet of Champions.