A year later, the pain and disappointment continue to fuel Franklin Feliz.
“Last year I didn’t qualify for (Division 1) states,” he said. “I remember going to states and watching those vaulters compete. I got really upset because my season was already over. That moment stayed with me, and I promised myself I wasn’t going to be just another athlete — I wanted to become a champion. Ever since, every day, every practice, and every decision I made was focused on reaching that goal. There wasn’t room in my mind for anything else.”
Mission accomplished, in a major way, for the breakout Lawrence High junior.
After winning the Merrimack Valley Conference title in the pole vault with a school record 13-0 last weekend, Feliz is one of the athletes to beat at the MIAA Division 1 Track and Field Championship, which will be split between Friday and Sunday at Westfield State College.
“Winning the MVC title meant a lot because I worked so hard for this moment,” he said. “I stayed believing in myself, even when it sounded crazy to other people. Winning the title felt amazing, especially representing Lawrence High School and everyone who supported me along the way.”
The new PR for Feliz ranks No. 2 in Division 1, and shattered the previous Lawrence High record of 12-0 set by Anthony Ry in 2013 — when he also won the MVC title — that he had matched on May 6 against Tewksbury.
Not bad for an athlete that entered the spring with a PR of 10-0, good for eighth at MVCs a year ago.
“Honestly, I didn’t expect things to happen this fast,” he said. “I knew I wanted to improve and compete at a high level, but being MVC champion and second in Division 1 this soon is something I’m really proud of. And setting the Lawrence High School record means everything to me. That was definitely one of my goals when I started taking pole vault seriously. To know my name is now part of the school’s history is a really special feeling.”
Feliz began experimenting with the pole vault a year ago as a sophomore, and it was love at first sight — even with the unavoidable challenges.
“What drew me to the event was how unique and challenging it looked,” he said. “It combines speed, strength, technique, confidence, and courage all in one event. The first time I watched it closely, I knew I wanted to try it. It’s exciting and different from every other event. At first it was difficult, and there were definitely frustrating moments, but I kept improving little by little. Then I started clearing heights consistently and competing well against experienced vaulters.
“I try not to think about the danger too much because if you focus on fear, it can hold you back. Sailing over the bar at a big height is one of the best feelings ever. Everything happens so fast, but in that moment it feels like all the hard work pays off. It’s exciting, and it gives you a huge adrenaline rush, especially when you hear the crowd react after a big clearance.”
And while he’s made a major impact on the track, Lawrence coach Jonathan Speing is just as impressed by his star as a person and leader.
“Franklin’s a fierce competitor, with an unshakeable self-belief that is completely earned through hard work and dedication,” said Speing. “He serves as a great role model of what it means to take initiative. He’s constantly looking for ways to not only make himself a better athlete, but also to best serve the team. He never has to be asked to help put away equipment or set up for home meets. And he took it upon himself to seek out resources in the pole vault world that allowed him to practice and improve year round.”
Now, Feliz is ready for even more at states this week and Meet of Champions next week, closer to home at Merrimack College.
“My goals for the rest of the season are to continue improving my technique, clear even higher heights, and compete well at states and other big meets,” he said. “I also want to keep representing Lawrence proudly and finish the season as strong as possible.”
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