Lynn Braden State Farm / WMCL Fox of the Week

Emma Hood – Hamilton County Lady Foxes Track & Field

Freshman pole vaulter Emma Hood is the latest recipient of the Lynn Braden State Farm/WMCL Fox of the Week after an impressive postseason run for the Hamilton County Lady Foxes Track & Field team.

Hood claimed the sectional championship in the pole vault at the IHSA Du Quoin Sectional on Thursday, May 14, clearing 9 feet, 0.5 inches (2.76 meters) to earn a trip to the IHSA State Finals at Eastern Illinois University in Charleston.

Competing against many of the top vaulters in Illinois, Hood matched her sectional height with a 2.76-meter vault during the preliminary round of the Class 1A State Finals on Thursday, May 21. While she narrowly missed advancing to the finals, the freshman capped off an outstanding season by reaching the state meet in her first year of high school competition.

Hood’s sectional title and state appearance highlight a bright future ahead for the Lady Foxes Track & Field program.