'Fearless Maggie' Invited to 'Heights on Halloween' Vault Spook-tacular

Pole-vaulting looks like a pretty scary sport. And, for those who haven't been properly coached, it really can be dangerous.Truth is, every pole-vaulter must learn to overcome his or her fears.When they do, running down the runway and soaring over crossbars is lots of fun -- even more fun while wearing a Halloween costume!

A brave cabal of costume-clad athletes will be running through the woods on a pumpkin-lined runway and sailing over spider-infested crossbars on Sunday, Oct. 6th, at the Heights on Halloween vault.

The event, co-sponsored by DC Athletics and Elite Pole Vault, will be held in Danville, Ind., about 30 minutes west of Indianapolis.

‘Maggie’ is endorsed by the Kansas High School Activities Association (KSHSAA).

It promises to be a spook-tacular experience for storybook heroine Maggie Steele, who has never vaulted in a Halloween costume before."Heights on Halloween is an extravaganza Maggie doesn't want to miss,” said author Grant Overstake. “She hasn't decided what costume she's going to wear yet, but it will be very spooky, I'm sure.”

Maggie is a gutsy Kansas farm girl who overcomes her fears and soars to new heights as a pole-vaulter. Her inspiring story has been endorsed by US Olympic vaulters, school counselors, teachers, and many top coaches — including DC Athletics' Coach Derek Cullison, who looks forward to presenting copies of Maggie to top vaulters at this event.

With over ten years of pole-vault experience, Cullison overcame his own fears to soar to new heights. He became a middle school and high school record holder, a two-time Indiana State Meet qualifier, and a four-year varsity athlete at Purdue University with a personal best of 16-4. Now Cullison uses his knowledge to teach youngsters how to enjoy the sport safely.

"Improvement in pole vault takes guts, trust, and courage to force your body to do things your mind and natural senses tell you not to," Cullison said.

Heights on Halloween has become an annual tradition, with costume contests, food, drinks, bonfires, and prizes for each winner male and female. Maggie Vaults Over the Moon will be awarded as prizes to the vaulters who overcome their fears, have fun, and soar.“I think the athletes will love the book as a prize, better than any medal,” Cullison said.Registration for the Heights on Halloween vault will be open until the day of the event. Click here for details.