Raphael Gelo, a 2008 graduate of International Falls High School, tied for seventh at the 2012 NCAA Division II Outdoor Championships on Saturday at the Neta and Eddie DeRose Thunderbowl in Pueblo, Colo.
Gelo, a junior at Grand Valley State University in Michigan, cleared 15 feet, 11 inches on his first attempt to earn All-American honors.
“It feels pretty good to get (recognized as an All-American),” he said.
As a sophomore at Bemidji State University, Gelo competed in the 2011 NCAA Division II Indoor and Outdoor Championships. He placed 11th at the indoor meet after clearing 15-11, but failed to record a height at last year’s outdoor meet when he started at 15-10 and was unsuccessful in three attempts.
Gelo transferred from Bemidji State to Grand Valley State this past fall after BSU discontinued its men’s track and field program following the 2010-11 academic year.
He set BSU’s school record in the pole vault last year after clearing 16-5.
Gelo said the competitors at this year’s DII outdoor meet had to deal with an “awkward wind” with 30-mph gusts swirling around a wall parallel to the approach, making vaulting difficult and clearing 15-11 on his first attempt critical to becoming an All-American.
By transferring to GVSU, Gelo said he faces some of his best pole-vaulting competition on his own team. For instance, he noted redshirt freshman teammate Bret Meyers finished third in this year’s national outdoor meet after clearing 16-2.75.
Gelo said he has been more consistent this season making the higher vaults and cleared at least 15-9 in every meet this season.
In his senior season, he said he hopes to improve upon his junior year and consistently clear heights in the 16-foot range.
Gelo, who set the boys pole vault school record for the Falls in 2008 at 14-7, was the Class A pole vault state champion in 2007 during his junior year with the Broncos and also placed second at the 2008 state meet.
As part of his studies to lead up to a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice at GVSU a year from now, Gelo said he will have an internship this summer at Voyageurs National Park.
