COLUMBUS — Jon Monnig reached new heights this season. He reached another height in his final attempt.

The Ironton Fighting Tigers’ senior pole vaulter made his second straight trip to the Division II state track meet Friday, and for the second year in a row he earned a place in the event.

Monnig was seventh last year and came back to place fifth this time as he cleared 14-feet.

Jamey Robson of Ontario — the runner-up last year — won as he cleared 15-8. Ryan Kochert of Chargrin Falls was second at 15-4.

“I would have liked to have finished at 14-4 and I came close. I just came up a little short of the bar. I tried like crazy to avoid it, but it couldn’t be helped,” said Monnig.

Monnig holds the Ironton school record in the pole vault at 14-3. He set the record last week when he won the event in the regional meet. He was hoping to increase his own record.

“I’m satisfied. I would have liked to have finished higher or even won, but you have to be happy if you can place at the state meet,” said Monnig. “I placed twice, so I’m really happy. It’s just an accomplishment to get to the state meet.”

Teammate Ryan Sias — the gifted athlete who did almost every event during the season — cleared 13-6 and finished 13th in the strong field.

Of the 16 vaulters competing, four cleared 13-6 and the other 10 went 14-feet or higher.

“I’m disappointed,” said Sias. “I would like to have done better. I wished I was doing something else (another event) to do. I don’t like to sit around.”

Ironton head coach Greg Cronacher said neither vaulter had anything to be ashamed of regarding their performances.

“I’m proud of them. They did their best and you can’t ask for any more than that,” said Cronacher. “They’ve had six great years for us going back to junior high. And they’re great kids to have around.”

Monnig has already signed to pole vault for Marietta College.