LOCAL
Pole vaulter trims his transfer options
The school record holder in the pole vault at both International Falls High School and Bemidji State University said he has now narrowed to two the number of colleges to transfer to this fall for his junior year of eligibility.
Raphael Gelo said Thursday he is planning on attending either Grand Valley State in Michigan or Minnesota State University, Mankato, both NCAA Division II schools for men’s track and field that are offering him scholarships.
While both schools have pole-vaulting programs that appeal to him, Gelo said he would prefer attending Grand Valley State, where he could continue pursuing a degree in criminal justice, but he is awaiting the official word from the school on how many of his credits from BSU would transfer there.
He said Mankato offers a law enforcement program for which he could enroll in the event he attends that university.
Gelo’s sophomore season at BSU featured him competing in both the indoor and outdoor NCAA Division II championships this year. To qualify for the latter, Gelo set BSU’s current school record of 16 feet, 5 1/2 inches.
With two years of college eligibility left, Gelo now faces having to leave BSU to be able to still compete in the pole vault. The university announced earlier this year it is discontinuing the men’s indoor and outdoor track and field programs after the 2010-11 academic year.
Girls swim team to start practice soon
The Bronco girls swimming and diving team will be holding captains practice Aug. 8-12 from 8-10 a.m. at the Falls High Pool.
The swim season begins Aug. 15 with practice from 8-11 a.m. The eligibility meeting will be held during the first week of practice.
For more information, call Jill Herzig 286-3366 or Kayla Gilbert 283-5789.
