WRITTEN BY: ANDREW EAKES | STAFF WRITER
For the Sea Lion’s track team, age has no limits.
Celine Lum, a freshman pole-vaulter for the team, has begun her PLNU career in the record books by clearing 12-1.5 feet—a NCAA Division II Provisional Qualifying Standard.
Lum’s result in the 2016 Pomona- Pitzer All Comers Meet not only won her the pole-vaulting event but set her tied for third highest on PLNU’s all-time list in the event.
“The day honestly started off as the worst meet of my life,” said Lum. “I was really upset with myself but thankfully my teammates and coaches had my back. Once they told me to just relax and have fun I set my personal record of 12-1.5.”
The native of Hawaii Kai on the is- land of Oahu missed her first two jumps before clearing her personal best. Lum admitted to “putting a lot of pressure” on herself in her first collegiate meet.
While she may be young, Lum is no stranger to success. In 2015 Lum led Kaiser High School to the Oahu Inter- scholastic Association championship, by setting the state record, clearing 12-1.
“For me I have believed that every- thing in life is right in front me and it’s up to me whether or not I take action on that,” said Lum. “The coaching staff and my teammates have really helped me make the transition from high school to college.”
Moving to San Diego has been a big change having been born and raised in Hawaii confessed Lum.
With her family over 2,500 miles away in Hawaii, she says the thing she misses the most is the “food, warm water and the laid back attitude people I have there.”
Associate head coach for pole-vaulting, high jumpers, and javelin throwers, Shane Peterson is in his 16th season for PLNU. Peterson said he is exceptionally eager about the talent he was coaching this year.
“Celine has transitioned very well for being a freshman,” said Peterson. “I would say she is not a leader quite yet but she carries the demeanor of a junior. We are very excited to see what her future looks like.”
Lum is among seven athletes that were brought in this year by head track coach Jerry Arvin. Arvin, in his 21st season as the head coach, he as won seven women’s championships and two men’s championships.
“I am very excited for this season and I believe we have one of the best teams in a while,” said Arvin. “Athletes that come here, including Lum, usually seek PLNU out and must have high grades. We knew everyone we brought in would contribute immediately.”
Arvin said he is confident with this group of women and according to him he “wasn’t surprised” to see Lum make the jump. She remains confident throughout all of her success and claims, “I am only as good as the team is.”
Lum, being only a freshman, gives Arvin, Peterson and the rest of PLNU great hope in the potential of breaking the top record of 14-2.25. The next meet takes place on March 12 at UCSD in the San Diego City Challenge.
photo by PLNUsealions.com
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