Before heading to Michigan State University on a scholarship, East Kentwood senior Trevor Stephenson shattered the OK Red record in the pole vault by clearing 16-feet. (Brian Forde | Advance Newspapers)

By John Raffel | Advance Newspapers 
on May 17, 2018 11:33 PM

KENTWOOD -- Trevor Stephenson has not lost a single pole vault event with East Kentwood so far this season.

He’s hoping to keep it that way.

When Stephenson cleared 16-feet in the OK Red Conference meet, May 14, he set a personal record and also remained undefeated at 11-0 in the event this season.

As a junior last year, Stephenson cleared 13-feet to take first at the regional. And he vaulted 14-6 for fourth place at the Division 1 state meet.

As a freshman, his highest vault was 9-feet.

“It’s been a terrific season,” East Kentwood coach Dave Emeott said. “He’s set the school record. He’s a state leader in the pole vault at 16-feet. He’s the first 16-footer we’ve had here in the OK Red Conference. He set the OK Red meet record.”

Stephenson has also been an active member as the lead leg of the 4x400 relay.

“He’s a terrific young man who is going to Michigan State University on a scholarship. I can’t say enough good things about him,” Emeott said.

Emeott recalls when Stephenson joined the track program as a freshman.

“His mom is the girls’ coach, so he didn’t have much of a choice,” Emeott smiled. “He was going to be on the track team. He came over and hung out with me. He wasn’t very good as a freshman, but he obviously turned out very well as a senior.”

Stephenson was also the starting goalie on the East Kentwood hockey team and ran cross country as a senior.

“He has put time in the offseason, but he has also enjoyed being a student-athlete in many sports,” Emeott said.