Laith Abbasi took on a new challenge this year for the Oak Lawn Community High School boys track and field team, the pole vault. He worked hard at the technical event, but he also kept up in his sprint events. In the end, he succeeded at both.

During the indoor season, Abbasi pole vaulted 10-feet-6-inches. This spring he is ranked in the Top 5 on the team in the 100-meter, fourth in the 200-meter, and second in the 400. He also competes in the relays as a member of the 400-meter relay, the 800-meter relay, and the 1,600-meter relay.

“Laith consistently shows determination and stays motivated while participating in a very technical and challenging event,” head coach Scott Miller said. “Laith has achieved great times in the sprint events this season as well. He is extremely coachable, focused, and knows what he wants to achieve while being a team leader. He is an outstanding multi-sport athlete.”