Bizzy was busy on Saturday afternoon.
Fremd junior Bizzy Mellado finished ninth at the Windy City Pole Vault Summit at Rolling Meadows, tying her career-best indoor mark by clearing 9-feet-6.
"A good attitude," she said when asked what's crucial to success in the frightening event. "You also have to be in the zone, and stay there while you're competing."
A familiar presence was at her side on Saturday: Jim Mellado, Bizzy's father who competed as a decathlete for El Salvador at the 1988 Summer Olympics in Seoul, South Korea. He serves as a volunteer track and field coach at Fremd.
Bizzy Mellado, whose real first name is Elizabeth, was given her nickname by older sister Ester, a volleyball player at Belmont (Tenn.) University.
"It was 'Bizzy-Bizzy' before it was shortened," the Vike said after her final attempt Saturday.
Mellado, who also hurdles and runs the 200-meter dash, hopes to clear 10-6 this spring and go 11-6 or 12-0 before graduating.
Jacobs senior Sarah Ross won the summit Saturday with an 11-3.
HAILING HALI: Fremd first-year track coach Hali Henderson holds the school record in the long jump. Mellado has been impressed with the rookie head coach.
"She is always smiling, always gets everybody together," Mellado said.
GROUNDED: Palatine's record-holder in the pole vault, senior Jocelyn Kuksa, was unable to fly at Saturday's summit because of an injury to her left quad muscle.
"My left leg is my take-off leg," said a disappointed Kuksa, who nevertheless attended as a fan after competing at the previous two summits.
Her goal this spring is to clear 12 feet; her school record is 11-3. Kuksa also is a standout hurdler and valuable relay member.
Fremd and Palatine compete at Friday's MSL Indoor Invite at Wheeling, beginning at 4:30 p.m.
LEW'S DOINGS: Former Fremd track coach Lew Miskowicz served as an official at Saturday's summit. He is an assistant track coach at Marian Central in Woodstock; he also coaches boys and girls pole vaulters at the school and at Woodstock HS. His daughter, Amy, is a junior thrower at Marian Central.