Free State’s Baxter taps NU

Lacey Baxter has had great success in multiple sports at Free State High. But until last summer, the senior had no idea which one she wanted to pursue collegiately.

That’s when she went to a camp for pole vaulters at the University of Nebraska.

That’s where Nebraska vault coach Rick Attig caught a glimpse of her and saw potential that eventually had him ask her to come be a Husker.

That’s where Baxter fell in love with the Big Red.

And that made Monday’s ceremony — where Baxter signed a letter of intent to be a pole vaulter for Attig and the Huskers — more like a realization that her college days surely will be happy.

“I went on a couple of other visits,” Baxter said, “but none of them compared to when I went on my Nebraska visit.”

Baxter will join a remarkable fleet of pole vaulters in Lincoln. Four of the top seven finishers at the Big 12 Championships this month were Huskers, including the top two placers.

Thus, Attig’s interest was flattering for Baxter, who also competed in gymnastics and softball and was a cheerleader in high school.

“He’s had some historical accomplishments in high schools and in college,” FSHS track coach Steve Heffernan said of Attig, a former Kansas University coach. “Being invited to be a part of that is just a huge accomplishment for Lacey.”

Baxter actually vaulted on the side during her sophomore and junior years at Free State, splitting the spring between track and softball. After that influential camp last summer, and after Attig’s interest began to blossom, Baxter decided to concentrate on pole vault this spring.

She was good enough in the other sports, too.

Baxter was a state-champion gymnast last fall, winning the beam title and taking second in the floor exercise. But her lack of involvement in club gymnastics made her college opportunities limited.

It doesn’t matter now, though. After taking fifth at the Class 6A state meet in the pole vault last year, Baxter showed enough potential to get the attention of one of the nation’s top programs.

Free State High senior Lacey Baxter, center, Kate Scaletty, left, and Angie Brunfeldt visit after Baxter signed a track letter of intent with Nebraska. Baxter officially signed with the Huskers on Monday at FSHS.

“The women’s program up there is incredible,” Heffernan said. “(Attig) looked at Lacey and knew immediately after seeing her do a little bit of work that she could add to the history up there.”

Baxter is the fourth Firebird to sign a Division One letter of intent this year and the second girls track athlete. Lauren Abney signed with Kentucky on April 29.Lacey Baxter has had great success in multiple sports at Free State High. But until last summer, the senior had no idea which one she wanted to pursue collegiately.