Adam Marzullo has been making incredible strides this year.

Now, he's wondering what he can do on a grander scale.

Marzullo, 15, of Butler will be taking part in the intermediate boys (those born in 1991 and 1992) pole vault in the Junior Olympics National Championship Meet.

He placed second in the regional meet in Pomona, N.J., by clearing 11 feet and advanced to the national meet.

The national finals will run from today through Sunday in Walnut, Calif., outside Los Angeles.

Last summer, Marzullo reached the regionals in Buffalo, where he cleared 9Z\x feet, but the Butler High sophomore has come along way since then.

"I did it last year and did OK," said Marzullo. "I thought I would give it another try this year."

As a freshman this spring on the Golden Tornado track and field team, Marzullo cleared 11 feet on two occasions.

"Actually, that was my goal, 11 feet, coming into the year and I got that," said Marzullo.

On June 23 and 24, Marzullo won the Junior Olympics qualifier at Slippery Rock University with a jump of 10-6.

Even with that effort, Marzullo knew he had another big jump left.

"I knew I could do 11 feet," said Marzullo. "I came in at 9 feet and had a couple of bad jumps. I got one out at 11 feet, but I made it on my first try."

Curt Phillips, athletic director at Butler and one-time head coach of the Golden Tornado track and field team, has helped Marzullo a bit and sees the drive he has to improve.

"From an observation standpoint, when it comes to Adam, he picks things up pretty quick," said Phillips. "He makes adjustments very well and he has a big upside. He's still competing in some big events in the latter half of the summer.

"It shows his dedication and his love for the sport,"Phillips added.

Marzullo's event won't be until Saturday, and he will be accompanied by his mother Lynn and his grandmother.

Marzullo admits he's looking for some big things at the meet.

"I'm shooting for 12 feet," said Marzullo.