GIRLS

Bridget Pearson

SCHOOL: Hoover

SPORT: Track and field

YEAR: Sophomore

SEASON AT A GLANCE: Pearson was one of the top vaulters in the state all season after finishing second in 1996 state championships as a freshman. She set a then-region record of 11 feet 9 3/4 inches in April, placed second in the Southern Section Division I championships and the Masters Meet in May and won the state title at Hughes Stadium in Sacramento.

WEEK AT A GLANCE: Pearson entered the state meet as the No. 3-ranked vaulter behind Brooke Lankard of Visalia Golden West, who had cleared 12-4, and Heather Sickler of Camarillo, who had a best of 12-3 1/2, but Pearson won by clearing 12 feet. The mark tied the national sophomore record she set while finishing second to Sickler in the Masters Meet. “I wanted to win and I wanted to [set a personal record],” Pearson said. “But this was definitely the most stressful meet that I’ve ever been in.”