When most fifth graders are riding bikes and playing video games, Tyler “Ty” McPhail was learning the pole vault. Following in his father’s footsteps, McPhail began training after his father encouraged him to give it a try.

“My dad vaulted in college and pushed me to try it and I loved it right away,” said McPhail.

Now a student-athlete at Andale High School, McPhail focuses on the pole vault during track and field season.

“Pole vault is such a technical sport that takes up most of my time, so I don’t do any other events,” said McPhail. “I love the team atmosphere that we have created here at Andale. Many places it is more of an individual sport but at Andale we have such a close team that everybody rallies for the team win.”

After missing last season due to the pandemic, McPhail continued to work on his craft and improve despite not having anywhere to compete. Now he’s ready to take the field and make his final season one to remember.

“Once the season last year was cancelled nothing really changed for me. I found places to train and continued to vault and improve,” said McPhail. “I am looking forward to the opportunity to compete. After last season was cancelled, I haven’t got to compete in true meets for a while, and I am ready to get back on the runway to compete. I really just want to get out there and jump as high as I possibly can. I try to just let the days come to me, and hopefully clear some big bars.”

Next fall McPhail will take his talents to the University of Louisville.

“Louisville felt right immediately after talking to coach Rasnick. I knew that I could be successful there and because she is from this area, I knew that I would be getting a coach that cared about my success but also had similar ideals of hard work and dedication,” said McPhail.

In his free time McPhail said he enjoys going the lake and relaxing with family.