BY GARY HAWKINS

Staff Writer

University of Southern Maine women's track and field coach George Towle watched Bethany Dumas many times while she set and reset pole vaulting records at Cony High School.

Because Dumas posted heights that compared favorably on a national level, Towle didn't bank on Dumas coming to Division III USM.

"Obviously, we were always interested in her," Towle said. "We didn't start recruiting her until she showed some interest in us."

Dumas drew interest from some Division 1 schools, including Maine and New Hampshire, but decided Southern Maine was the best place for her.

"I like Division III," Dumas said "It's smaller so you get more one-on-one attention. Even the classroom sizes are smaller."

It's doubtful Dumas could have done better at a Division I school. Her pole vaulting coach is two-time NCAA champ Mike Drummey. And she'll get plenty of Div. I competition at the Florida State and Penn Relays as well in New England.

"In track and field, it doesn't matter what division you're in," said Towle, whose teams have won eight straight Little East Conference championships. "You can't compare it to football or basketball."

So far, Dumas has thrived for the Huskies. She's been named Little East Field Rookie of the Week three times this season. She pole vaulted 11 feet, 7 inches last week which places her second among Division III qualifiers in the country. She's also competing in the long jump and 55-meter hurdles.

Dumas, who is rapidly closing in the on the school record 11-9 pole vault, is already looking at bigger and stronger poles. She jumped a personal best of 12-7 at a New England meet two years ago, and Towle believes 13 feet is well within her potential.

"I think Mike has used that number," he said.

The USM coach is also impressed with Dumas' progress in the hurdles. She ran 9.18 seconds in the 55 meter event recently to qualify for the New England Division III championships. Towle looks forward to the outdoor season where Dumas will compete in the 400-meter hurdles.

"I think eventually the 400 hurdles, if not equal to the pole vault, might be close," he said.

Dumas will also compete in the javelin, an event she posted a personal best of 125 feet in high school. As versatile as Dumas is, Towle is more impressed with her demeanor and coachability.

"She's top shelf," he said. "She listens and can change almost in the next rep. Mike caught that real early."

Dumas particularly enjoys the indoor facility on the Gorham campus.

"In high school, pretty much meets were my practice," she said.

Dumas currently holds the state high school indoor and outdoor pole vaulting records, both at 11-6. But Towle said you'd hardly suspect her accomplishments by talking with her.

"She's a nice fit with the team," he said. "The kids have taken to her style which is pretty laid back."

Dumas looks forward to the outdoor season, primarily because of the 400 hurdles, but she's already found a second home at USM.

"It's fairly close to home," Dumas said. "George and Mike are outstanding coaches. I love everything about it."

Gary Hawkins -- 621-5638

ghawkins@centralmaine.com