Ronald W. Erdrich

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Pole Vaulter

[Show slideshow]
Kaydi Pursley, 18, practices her pole vaulting inside the warehouse of the Merkel grain elevator Wednesday April 15, 2020. The Merkel High School senior will attend Abilene Christian University in the fall.
Brit Pursley speaks with his daughter Kaydi in between pole vaults Wednesday April 15, 2020. Brit was a stand-out vaulter when he attended Texas Tech University.
Kaydi Pursley starts for the pit as she practices pole vaulting in her grandfather's former grain warehouse in Merkel Wednesday April 15, 2020.
Passing tractors and other farming equipment, Kaydi Pursley runs for the pit during pole vaulting practice Wednesday April 15, 2020. The Merkel senior practices in her grandfather's grain warehouse.
Brit Pursley gives his daughter Kaydi an assist as she practices pole vaulting inside her grandfather's grain warehouse Wednesday April 15, 2020. Kaydi will vault at Abilene Christian University, where her uncle Brad was a national champion in the same sport.
Kaydi Pursley reacts after clearing the practice bar while pole vaulting inside her grandfather's grain warehouse Wednesday April 15, 2020. The post on the left marks pole vaulting records from champions like Abilene's Billy Olson, her father Brit and uncle Brad. Farther down are the records she and her sister Kloe have so far set. With everyone at the top having retired, Brit said those records are static. "But when (my girls) set a new record, they can move up," he said.
Kaydi Pursley settles her grip and focuses her mind before making a run for the pole vaulting pit inside her grandfather's grain warehouse Wednesday April 15, 2020.

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