Salute To Seniors: Andy Ference Joins The Vols


Name: Andrew Ference

School: Salpointe Catholic HS

Andy Ference opened his Senior outdoor season by clearing 16-5.5 at the Desert Tune-Up. Two weeks later he vaulted 16-8 to win the Elite Boys competition at Chandler Rotary and took 3rd at the Arcadia Invitational. He finished the regular season taking the Division 3 State Title with a yard of tape around his foot. At the Valley Christian Heptathlon/Decathlon he won the Decathlon with a total of 6,012 points.
Where are you from and when did you get into pole vaulting?
I was born and raised in Tucson and I got into pole vaulting around 7th-8th grade when my older brother began jumping as well.
How did you first become acquainted with the Pole Pilots Vault Club?
I met Coach Jen at an open sports information meeting and started vaulting the following week.
What do you like most about the pole vault?
I enjoy vaulting because of how difficult and challenging it is, but as well as how much fun I have competing. It has been a ton of fun getting to know all of the other vaulters in the state and really pushing each other to compete at our best.
What's your favorite thing about Coach Croissant?
The amount of trust we have in each other. She places trust in me that I am doing all of my additional stretching at home to compete at my best, and that I am putting forth my maximum effort in practice. As well as me trusting in her that she has the experience and expertise to allow me to achieve my best.
Your older brother was a vaulter for Salpointe Catholic and your dad was also a vaulter. What does it mean for you to be a part of that legacy?
It means a great deal to me. The amount of respect and love that I have for my family has only grown through the vault and it really is a special event to my whole family.
What has been your favorite moment in your Track career and why?
My Sophomore year being able to compete in the State meet with my older brother. Where AJ ended up taking 2nd and I took home the bronze. Throughout the year we would always make each other laugh and really had a great time, while also finding the right balance of working hard and making each other better. I wouldn't trade away those experiences for anything.
What is your favorite subject in school?
Biology, I love learning about life and how ecosystems work as a whole.
What is your go-to snack before competition?
Fruit snacks, they are delicious and have some sugar in them for some quick energy.
How do you spend your 'off time' away from school and the track?
I like to hang out with my friends and play Fortnite.
Do you intend to compete post-season?
It is going to depend. I have been nursing a nagging foot strain so I think it might be beneficial to allow it to fully heal before I go off to University of Tennessee.
Are there any shout-outs you'd like to give to friends, family, teammates?
Yes, I want to thank my friends Nick and Nate as well as my family for coming to my meets, as well as all the other Salpointe vaulters that I have been able to compete with the past 4 years.
Fun Stuff!
What music gets you hyped before competing?
I like to listen to Big Sean, Post Malone and Kanye.
What's your favorite vacation spot?
Anywhere on the beach or somewhere I can go snowboarding.
If you could have dinner with any three people, who would they be?
Post Malone, Donovan Mitchell and Supreme Patty
What's gonna' be your favorite thing about living in Knoxville?
The change of pace and meeting new people in a new place!