Where Are They Now'
May 09, 2007 | Women's Track & Field
Former Wisconsin track and field member Tara Clack (1998-2003) left her mark in the UW record books as one of the top pole vaulters in school history. The walk-on heptathlete turned pole vaulter currently holds both the UW and Dan McClimon Track records in the pole vault with a height of 13 feet, 5 ' inches.
Clack, a Windsor, Wis. native who attended DeForest High School, walked onto the women 's track and field team in the fall of 1998. She picked up the pole vault for the first time as a junior during the 2001-02 season, and after only two years of the sport, was a Big Ten champion.
Clack's final outdoor season as a Badger in 2003 was a record one. She set the school record in her final home meet as a Badger, was awarded her fourth-straight Academic All-Big Ten selection, won the inaugural Big Ten Outstanding Sportsmanship Award for Wisconsin, won the pole vault at the Big Ten's outdoor meet and was named to the conference's first-team.
Clack graduated in 2003 with a degree in biology and is currently in her third year of veterinary school at Wisconsin.
What is your favorite memory from being at Wisconsin '
Some of my favorite memories at Wisconsin involve sitting at the Memorial Union Terrace with my teammates on a Friday after practice. It isn't necessarily the track meets I remember most, but the road trips and countless hours spent with the girls that I like to look back on. My favorite track-related memory was winning the Big Ten championship my senior year. In my first Big Ten meet, I came in next to last place in my event. The hardships I experienced my first few years made this accomplishment in my senior year that much more rewarding for me.
What was the best thing about being a Badger '
I loved the team aspect of being an athlete here at Wisconsin. The girls on the team are what made the sport so memorable and I cherish all the friendships I gained through my years on the team. I still live with one of my old teammates and know that I will maintain friendships like that forever.
What life lessons did you learn during college '
One of the major life lessons I learned was leadership. I had the opportunity to be a team captain for two years and I really enjoyed trying to be a mentor and a positive influence to the younger girls on the team. I also learned a lot about responsibility and time management. It was difficult to manage school, track, family and social activities at times, but I was able to find a good balance. I also learned the importance of taking time out for myself and not sweating the small stuff. It was very easy to get worked up about a poor performance in school or on the track and I really tried to focus on the big picture and remember what is really important in my life.
What was your favorite class at Wisconsin'
I loved all of my biology related classes, but I especially liked my entomology and limnology classes. I have always been into the sciences and I loved any of the classes that involved being outside and getting a little dirty during lab work.
What was your favorite part of campus' Where did you spend most of your time'
I definitely spent a lot of time on State Street. I was either studying at a coffee shop, shopping at the boutiques or grabbing dinner there. I also enjoy the nightlife State Street has to offer (when I was of age!) and I loved going out with friends after a long week.
What advice would you give current student-athletes '
I would stress the importance of making time with your friends and family and taking time out of the week to relax and enjoy the college experience. Being a student-athlete is an amazing opportunity. You should never be too concerned with the end result of the meet or game that you forget why you love the sport. Athletes excel at a sport because they have passion for it and you should never forget the feeling you have for competition.
You set a school and track record in the pole vault while at Wisconsin, what does that mean to you especially since it still stands '
Honestly, I hope that the record gets broken soon. We have some amazing pole vaulters on the team right now and it is just a matter of time before they surpass my mark. The best memory I have of that record is that I broke it at our last home meet my senior year and my entire family was there to see it. It was the first time my grandparents had ever seen me jump and I was so honored to have them share the experience with me.
What is it like to watch vaulters like Blair Luethmers and Jenny Soceka perform so well in recent years'
I am so proud of the vaulters on the team right now and look forward to seeing them excel in years to come. The pole vault can be a very mentally challenging event and these girls have such enthusiasm and positive attitudes that I know they will go far.
How is vet school going and what do you hope to do after graduation'
I absolutely love being a veterinary student and look forward to my fourth year and the rotations I have at the teaching hospital. I have one more year until I graduate and I plan on specializing in small animal medicine. After graduation, I would like to do an internship for a year and then hopefully I'll find a job, preferably in Madison.
