Legislature to recognize Springfield's Pianka

Today, the Vermont Legislature is expected to pass a resolution honoring Springfield senior Elijah Pianka for winning the VPA Division 2 Indoor states championship in the high jump and for representing Vermont at the New England Championships.



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2016-04-19 / Sports Legislature to recognize Springfield's Pianka MONTPELIER, Vt. — Today, the Vermont Legislature is expected to pass a resolution honoring Springfield senior Elijah Pianka for winning the VPA Division 2 Indoor states championship in the high jump and for representing Vermont at the New England Championships. The Springfield Selectboard had already issued a proclamation to that effect, and Representative Bob Forguites introduced the House Resolution. “He worked in cooperation with members from other towns to get this and two similar HRs for their athletes passed,” said Springfield track and field coach Jim Fog. “He deserves a lot of credit. “Of course, Elijah deserves most of it. The House resolution acknowledges Elijah's athleticism and good sportsmanship, his courage in facing new challenges, his grace under pressure, and the hard work that went into his growth since last year.” Fog noted that arrangements have been made to have Pianka present for the reading. “We already had a ceremony at SHS, so he felt it would have more significance to visit the Statehouse, hear it read, and meet with Bob, Alice Emmons, and the others who contributed to the process. Pianka feels honored to be receiving this tribute. “I have always wanted to have an accomplishment of my own, I have had lots of idols above me and I have wanted and strived for a greater title,” he said. “This means a lot to me as an honor and it makes want to see just how far I really can go and improve soon myself. “This honor shows that Springfield track and field still carries on the proud tradition of excellence passed down from Jerry Jasinski to Geoff Murchie to Josh Dikeman,” Fog said. “Elijah's success reminds the community of our positive contribution to athletics here, and tells other programs that we're a force to reckon with going forward.” The resolution is also a symbol of what can happen when someone puts in the effort to achieve something greater. “I think that it makes others want to do better and put forth more effort, I think it shows them that if you put your mind and effort to something, that you can accomplish anything,” Pianka said. “Elijah's success shows other student-athletes that if they work hard they can improve dramatically in a year, that they should never let fear stop them from competing, and that intense, high-level match-ups can still be friendly,” Fog added.