There was no guarantee that Austin Smith even would compete for Rams’ track when the winter season got underway, but three months later, he stands as a record-setting, Shoreline champion.

Austin, a senior at Old Saybrook, suffered a shoulder injury in football last fall that put his indoor track campaign in jeopardy. However, after tons of hard work and some encouragement from Head Coach Pete Capezzone, Austin claimed conference titles in the long jump and pole vault for the back-to-back champion Rams, setting both school and Shoreline meet records in the vault with a height of 13 feet-9 inches.

“These were my first solo Shoreline titles and, after the pole vault, I felt great with setting the new record. And then with the long jump, I jumped a foot under my personal record, but I still won and it was a great feeling,” says Austin, who won the long jump with a leap of 20-1 at Shorelines. “I had been trying to push for the pole vault record all year, so it was one of the greatest accomplishments to do so and add 20 points to help our team win the meet.”

The Rams might not have claimed the Shoreline championship without Austin’s victories as they edged out runner-up Haddam-Killingworth by just six points. Austin felt thrilled that he doubled down in the clutch to play a major part in Old Saybrook defending its conference crown.

“H-K was really nipping at our heels the entire meet, so it was great for us to do really well at the end and pull it out,” Austin says. “It was also an awesome feeling knowing that because of me, we were able to come out on top.”

Capezzone, who also coaches Austin on the Rams’ outdoor squad, praises Austin for taking a systematic approach to perfecting the pole vault, while also proving a selfless athlete for both his teammates and competitors from other schools.

“Austin is an extremely talented individual. He is a technician when it comes to the pole vault. He is able to break down his vaults in order to focus on a specific area to improve upon. He is a really fun person to coach,” says Capezzone. “He understands his role as a leader with other younger members of the team. Not only does he help his own team members, but he helps athletes on other teams, as well. I’m very proud of him.”

Austin’s effort has helped him improve by leaps and bounds in both the long jump and pole vault since he came to Old Saybrook, Although some athletes might feel trepidation about doing the latter event, Austin loves the rush he gets from soaring through the sky.

“In terms of the pole vault, I’ve grown 2 feet-9 inches with my mark since freshman year and I’m also hoping to make nationals for outdoor season in it. With the long jump, I’ve gone from 17 feet to about 21 feet in that same time,” says Austin. “I love the pole vault because many people that watch it say it’s scary, but when you are up in the air, it’s one of the best feelings you can imagine.”

Heading into his final foray this spring, Austin is aiming to help the Rams defend their outdoor Shoreline title from last spring, in addition to breaking Old Saybrook’s pole vault record for that season.

“Track has helped me with dedication and my dedication with getting better at things. For indoor, we’ve been a close team with the same teamwork we had with football. We all got along with no conflicts and we kept our chemistry,” says Austin, who thanks Coach Capezzone and former teammate Nick Sumby. “We have a good chance to win Shorelines for outdoor season and I’m looking to break the school record for outdoor pole vaulting, as well.”