Freshman pole vaulter Erin Bogard (Powell, Ohio/Biology Pre-Med) chatted with YSUSports.com to provide an update:

What is your current location?

Powell, Ohio

Who are you living with at the moment?

My mom

When did you start competing in track and why? 

I started competing in track in 7th grade, however, I started pole vaulting in 6th grade after softball practice. Our family friend was the pole vault coach at my high school and for years prior to me agreeing to try vault he was always trying to get me to come out and try it. After the first few times of practicing, I decided to quit playing softball after my 6th grade season and switch to track. 

What does it mean to compete for a championship caliber track and field program at YSU? 

It means a lot to me to be able to have the chance at competing in larger and more known meets. The opportunity to vault with others at a higher level than I am is an amazing experience and it pushes me to become a better athlete.

What was your favorite moment of the 2019-20 season? (On or off the track) 

I think my favorite moment of the 2019-2020 indoor season was getting to hangout with my teammates at the hotel while we were at the Clemson meet.

What are you looking to accomplish next indoor season? 

Next indoor season I am hoping to potentially break the school record that currently stands at 12' 9" and to start clearing 12' 6" and higher more consistently.

How has the coaching staff or your individual coach helped you both on and off the field? 

Coach Penniman has helped me get through rough practices and meets by talking with me about what went wrong and what steps I could take to fix it at the next practice and on my own time.

Despite losing the spring season, what are you doing to stay in shape/being active during this time? 

Right now I am currently using what few free weights I have too keep as much muscle tone as I can during this time. I am working a lot on my cardiovascular endurance along with my sprint speed whenever it is nice enough outside to go out. Another thing I am really working on right now is cutting out certain foods and drinks to get into better shape physically and really working on my core and back strength, which will also help my back pain. Anything that I used to do for rehab and point specific muscle strengthening is also being included in my day to day life so that when we come back next season I will worry less about that and more about achieving my goals.

What are you going to miss the most about not competing with everyone this spring? 

I think what I will miss most is talking to everyone and hanging out after the meets. I really enjoyed meeting most everyone on the team even though there is still people that I may not know.

What do you enjoy the most about being at YSU? 

I really enjoy the atmosphere of YSU and being around the friends I have made. Going out to eat, hanging out in the dorms, or finding something random to do around campus is always fun.

Other than school work, what activities will you be doing during this time off? 

Other than school work I am going to be running and lifting as much as I can as well as stretching. I am also hanging out with my mom and stepdad during this quarantine, playing cards, boardgames and watching TV.