In a winter in which the CBA indoor track & field team won a third consecutive state title, several standout student-athletes helped propel the Colts to success.

Throughout this season, Shane Landau ‘27 jumped his way to several impressive marks. The junior pole vaulter was the individual winner at the Non-Public A State Championship, the State Relays Championship, and the Monmouth County Championship.

However, it wasn’t a simple path to success for Landau as a pole vaulter. It took stepping out of his comfort zone as a freshman to find out he had an untapped talent.

“I just tried [pole vaulting] one day,” he remembered. “I just came in as a freshman after soccer season, tried it, and it turns out I’m good at something I didn’t know I would be.”

Landau now holds the second-highest performance in the pole vault by a CBA jumper, scoring a 13’6” at the Monmouth County Championship.

Landau was a prime example of how leadership and talent can blend, bringing together the championship runners, impressive jumpers, and strong throwers.

“Any part of the team can be just as valuable as the rest,” Landau emphasized. “Everyone plays their role.”

The junior explained how this team was special and like no other that he has been a part of. The evidence is shown through both the records set and championships won this winter. But without a team of athletes who step outside their comfort zone, a state championship may not have been possible.

“It’s training, hard work and being consistent,” he said. “If you're not afraid of it you can do what you want to do.”

To no one’s surprise, the Colts are on top of the state once again. Landau was very impressive and will be ready to continue his success this spring for the outdoor season.