Spain park&8217;s Chris Spear had been waiting a long time for a shot at an outdoor state pole vault title.

He got that chance Friday in the boys&8217; Class 6A state pole vault at Heardmont Park.

Spear cleared 14 feet six inches to win the state championship, and went on to clear 15 feet, one inch before he was finished.

&8220;I would have been disgusted with myself for a very long time if I didn&8217;t win,&8221; Spear said. &8220;Today was nerve racking, but in alot of ways I think it helped me perform.&8221;

Spear said clearing 14 feet was the biggest challenge in the competition.

&8220;That was the one that scared me,&8221; he said.

Spear had struggled for almost two years since that last time he cleared 15 feet, a drought that he was happy to end on Friday.

&8220;It felt good when I finally got back over 15 feet.&8221;

Spear&8217;s bid to clear 15 feet, seven inches and set a new personal best fell short, but the Clemson signee said he was still pleased with his performance.

&8220;I couldn&8217;t ask for a better way to end my career.&8221;