It has been an exciting couple of weeks for Nicole Barton.

At least week’s state track meet, Barton cleared a personal best 11-feet-6 inches in pole vault. That height gave her a second place finish at the state meet.

The state performance also helped further her athletic career. On Tuesday, Barton signed to participate in track and field at the University of Central Missouri. The Jennies compete at the Division II level and recently had two athletes earn All-American honors.