ROCHESTER, N.Y. – The Roberts Wesleyan University track and field program is proud to welcome four first-year student-athletes to its pole vault program.
"It is my pleasure to introduce these four incoming freshmen," said 2012 Olympic gold medalist and Roberts' pole vault coordinator Jenn Suhr. "Each of these student-athletes possess individual strengths that will be an asset to the pole vault team. I am eager to see them grow as young adults and pole vaulters. These four athletes are exactly what I envisioned for my first year of coaching as each one seeks to excel in both the classroom and on the track. They are extremely positive and supportive of one another and I look forward to guiding them and watching them flourish."
Here is a closer look at the new recruits:
Cyrus Comfort
Hometown: North Chili, NY
High school: Western (Parma, MI.)
Major: Engineering
Before Roberts: High Honor roll student … Also played varsity soccer and volleyball in high school.
I chose Roberts because: "My mom works here and it's close to home."
Coach Suhr says: "Cyrus is excited to see how much he can improve as a pole vaulter and experience track and field at the collegiate level. Cyrus is a diligent athlete; he will keep at it until it happens. He has the perfect temperament to get better fast and his recent improvements have been exciting!"
Melia Couchman
Hometown: Herkimer, NY
High school: Herkimer
Major: Physical Education
Before Roberts: Graduated fourth in her high school class … Earned New York State Seal of Biliteracy in Spanish … 2023 New York State Public High School Athletic Association Division II outdoor champion in pole vault … An eight-time Section III champion in the pole vault, she won the 55-meter dash and long jump to help Herkimer win a Section III team indoor title … Won the Nike Indoor Nationals Emerging Elite Championship at the Armory Track and Field Center in New York City … Concluded her high school pole vaulting career by winning the Emerging Elite Division at Nike Outdoor Nationals in Eugene Ore.
I chose Roberts because: "I liked the atmosphere and all of the people are so nice. It is also a great opportunity to work with Jenn."
Coach Suhr says: "Melia is a great addition to our pole vault squad. As one of the top vaulters in New York state, she brings experience in big meets and a coachable attitude that will make her great teammate."
Vanyo Nielsen
Hometown: Wayland, NY
High school: Wayland-Cohocton
Major: Nursing
Before Roberts: Describes himself as a "self-taught" vaulter to this point … Won Section V Class A3 indoor pole vault championship last winter … Finished second in Section V Class B2 and second in Livingston Conference in pole vault this spring … Played varsity soccer at Wayland-Cohocton.
I chose Roberts because: "They have a really good nursing program and it is a small school, so I will get to know everyone well. I am also excited for pole vault and to have someone who will coach me and help me grow."
Coach Suhr says: "Vanyo is a great addition to the pole vault team. He is going to bring energy, excitement, and the desire to get better. He isn't afraid and will try anything new. Every team needs someone like Vanyo and we are grateful he chose Roberts."
Cora Seaburg
Hometown: North Chili, NY
High school: Churchville-Chili
Major: Nursing
Before Roberts: Graduated from high school with honors … Member of Saints' track and field team … Enjoys playing guitar.
I chose Roberts because: "I liked the environment – it's small, it's a Christian school and I also wanted to pole vault with Jenn."
Coach Suhr says: "Cora is a hard-working, motivated athlete that will keep repeating an instruction until she gets it right."
