New York –Sarah Haley has vaulted herself into one of the top track and field performers in Dutchess County.

The Dover High School junior placed 12th in the pole vault at last month’s state indoor championships. One year ago, she emerged on the scene by winning the Section 1 State Qualifier in the pole vault and taking third place at the state Division II meet in the 400 hurdles.

Haley spoke with the Poughkeepsie Journal and had this to share:

What do you do to prepare for the spring track season?

I just run outside. I pretty much run all the time. I also competed in indoor track as well.

Do you have any rituals that you do before meets?

I drink a lot of water, and I always eat pasta. I also listen to music before to get me pumped up, country music being my favorite.

What is your favorite event?

The 400 hurdles and the pole vault are my favorites because I’m pretty good at them and they’re fun.

Speaking of pole vaulting, it seems like it could be a sort of dangerous event. Do you get nervous when participating in it?

I used to get nervous in the beginning. But now I find it a lot of fun because I know what I am doing and I’m good at it.

What’s your dream college to go to and compete on their track team?

Either Yale or Columbia.

And when you’re not practicing for track or going to school, what is your favorite thing to do?

I like music a lot, and I play either my guitar or piano. It’s fun.

Are there any events that you don’t compete in now but would like to in the future?

Well, I love to do a lot of events and I don’t usually do the 800. I have done it before but, not usually, so I want to do it more.

What inspired you to get into track?

It started off being a sport just to keep me in shape for the other sports I play, which are field hockey and basketball. But I just fell in love with track.

And what is your outlook for this upcoming season?

I would like to reach 11 feet in the pole vault, and I would also like to qualify for nationals.

Reach Ryan Kiernan at rkiernan@poughkee.gannett.com