Canadian stars Alysha Newman and Anicka Newell expected to participate in women’s elite section; Anthony Meacham of Woodsboro High and Vault Barn looks to shine in indoor high school competition in home state

By Erik Boal, DyeStat Editor

Like all elite athletes, Matt Ludwig is excited and optimistic for the opportunities that come with a new year, even if the competition schedule for the reigning U.S. indoor pole vault champion might be more uncertain than in past seasons.

One thing that is for certain is that Ludwig will be one of the first professional vaulters to compete in 2021, as he is scheduled to vault at 11:15 a.m. CST Saturday in the elite men’s group at the EXPO Explosion at the EXPO Dome in Belton, Texas.

The two-day event, which begins Friday and is sponsored by Vaulter Magazine, has more than 450 athletes scheduled to participate in beginner, intermediate, high school, open, elite and Masters sections.

There will be a live stream of the event both days, along with a training session Friday available to participants, coaches and parents hosted by two-time World champion and Olympic bronze medalist Sam Kendricks, along with his father and coach, Scott Kendricks.

Both elite men’s groups are scheduled to start at 11:15 a.m. CST Saturday, led by Ludwig and 2019 World Outdoor Championship finalist Cole Walsh.

Fellow American vaulters Tray Oates, Nate Richartz, Reese Watson, Jacob Wooten and Branson Ellis are also expected to compete in the top men’s group. The second men’s group is highlighted by 2018 U.S. indoor winner Scott Houston, in addition to fellow Americans Michael Carr, Nathan Hiett, Alex Jacobs, Austin Miller, Grant Sisserson, Carson Waters and Sean Young. 

Headlining the elite women’s section at 11:15 a.m. CST Saturday are Canadian professionals Alysha Newman and Anicka Newell, along with American athletes Megan Clark, Karlee Fowler, Annie Johnigan, Kortney Oates, Stephanie Richartz and Megan Zimlich.

The elite high school boys and girls sections are scheduled to begin at 1:30 p.m. CST Saturday.

Anthony Meacham, a junior at Woodsboro High in Texas who represents Vault Barn, headlines the elite group of boys competitors.

Heather Abadie, a senior at St. Michael the Archangel in Louisiana who represents New Heights Gym, leads the elite girls section.