Florida Relays Pole Vault Missing 1-2 Matchups
As the posting of the entrants for the Florida Relays was released this weekend, it was clear that the anticipation of seeing the number one versus number two showdowns would have to wait for another day. On the girls side, this years top vaulter and last years 3rd place finisher in the 4A state meet, Morgan Scherschel from Gaither High School was absent from the much awaited declaration. On the boys side, the number two vaulter in the state, Wyatt Metzger from Timber Creek, was absent from the list. As pole vault enthusiasts, we always like to see the best from the state shoot it out at the Florida Relays, but it looks as if we will have to wait to a possible postseason match-up at Golden South or maybe Adidas Outdoor Nationals.
I personally was looking forward to seeing Morgan take on the sophomore sensation, Lindsey Enders from Holy Trinity, who has a season best of 11′6″. This young lady is fast on the runway and fearless on a pole. She is also an accomplished hurdler. I was also looking forward to the boys main event of Wyatt Metzger and the current state leader, Mike Vani from Merritt Island High School, who has a season best of 15′7″. The intriguing part of this match-up is that Vani is still at a relatively short approach, 5 lefts or 10 steps total, due to the fact that he has run out of poles. Vani is currently awaiting a shipment of custom spec Carbon Weave fx poles from Gill Athletics. Once he has those, he’ll be able to move back to a longer approach and who knows from there. As of today, Gill Athletics was not sure if the poles would arrive in time for the Relays. So we’ll all just have to appreciate the Relays for what they are and we may have some new studs emerge.
I am by no means taking anything away from the other vaulters at the Florida Relays this weekend. I am simply going off of the information that I personally know. I wish all the vaulters a safe and successful outing in Gainesville this weekend. If you see me at the meet, please stop by and say hello.
The following girls were listed as entered for the Florida Relays on Saturday:
- Arellano, Brianna Bishop Moore
- Clapp, Gracie Bartram Trail
- Enders, Lindsey Holy Trinity
- Enos, London Wharton
- Evans, Casey Shorecrest Prep
- Fisher, Jamie Benjamin School
- Gabbert, Audrey Flagler Palm Coast
- Heinrichs, Kate Clayton Northmon
- Jetmore, Jessica Bishop Moore
- Karlstrand, Kelsey Riverview
- Rothenberg, Perri Freedom (Tampa)
- Sikes, Sara Chapel Hill
- Skidmore, Kylee P. K. Yonge
- Smith, Nicole Sickles
- Wagoner, Brittney Key West
- Weiss, Erica Boone
- Wilson, Lauren Chapel Hill
The following boys are listed as entered in the Florida Relays on Friday:
- Austin, Buddy Lincoln
- Bencomo, Roger Riverview
- Carl, James Sickles
- Critcher, Kenlee Flagler Palm Coast
- Edwards, Michael Benjamin School
- Erbe, Donovan Admiral Farragut
- Kennedy, John Boone
- Lombardo, Anthony Countryside
- Marcello, Drew Taravella
- Medrano, Dan Venice
- Moon, Hunter Aquinas
- Plotz, Aaron Bishop Kenny
- Polgar, Paul Countryside
- Saitta, Evan Bolles
- Scantling, Garrett Episcopal
- Soard, Cory Flagler Palm Coast
- Taylor, Michael Ridgeview
- Vani, Mike Merritt Island
- Wiseman, Trent Freedom (Tampa)
- Zuppke, Sean Park Vista
Pole Vault Camps Are Worth The Money
Paying $300 for a pole vault camp may seem like a large amount of money to spend for 2 days of instruction, but the cost of the pole vault camp is well worth the money. The end quest of any pole vault camp attendee is to become a better pole vaulter. The staff at our pole vault camps is concerned with showing proper safety precautions, correct technique, correct pole selection, and finally with helping each vaulter, coach, and parent better understand the sport of pole vaulting.
How much is a vaulter’s health worth? Having 4 children myself, I know that you can’t put a price on that. I can’t count the number of meets that I attend and vaulters are landing on their feet in the pit. This is an accident waiting to happen. I see kids holding too high on poles that are too small for them. I see vaulters being propelled back down the runway. All of these situations are avoidable with proper instruction and supervision. If you agree that you can’t put a price on a child’s health, then we agree that pole vault camp can be worth the price.
How much money do you want to waste on buying the incorrect poles? The current price for a 13′ pole vaulting pole is about $400. We can help you decide which pole you should purchase for your vaulter. We can help you understand about flex numbers so you don’t end up paying mucho dinero for the same pole again. Believe me it happens all the time. By learning the proper technique, a vaulter may end up needing a pole that is much different than the one they are currently on. Many times, parents provide the financial backing for pole vaulting poles that are purchased for their child. We understand that and want to help you make the correct decisions. We currently have over 50 different pole vaulting poles, ranging from a 10′ 60 lb. pole to a 15′ 170 lb. carbon pole, from which vaulters can use at our pole vault camps to help make these kinds of financial decisions. If you think your pole vaulter is going to be on one pole vaulting pole for their entire high school career, think again. We can save you money by helping you choose the proper pole vaulting poles.
Lastly, our pole vault camps help pole vaulters increase their self esteem through a series of successful pole vaulting sessions. It makes the staff at Pole Vault City very happy when we see a pole vaulter smile. Many times, these pole vaulters are beset with frustration due to unsuccessful outings at practices and meets. We love to see pole vaulters smile and enjoy the event that we hold so very dear. Nothing warms the heart like the smile of a child.
Think of pole vault camps as an investment in the future of your child not as a line item in your home budget.
Rule 7-5-29 Revised For Vaulter Safety
March 28, 2009 by admin
Filed under Rules, Safety and Technique
The rule change, 7-5-29, set forth by the National Federation of State High School Associations is a reversal of a ruling set forth in the 2008 rules revisions. The 2008 rule revision matched the USATF, NCAA, and IAAF rule that a vaulter could leave the ground, and as long as the vaulter did not land beyond the plane of the box, could continue their attempt as long as they were within the time restrictions being enforced. Many pole vault safety activists voiced their stern objection to this rule, knowing that this rule would greatly increase the risk for injury. The rationale of safety activists is simple, if a high school pole vaulter leaves the ground and can’t make it beyond the plane of the box, by hurriedly scampering back down the runway and trying the attempt again, the next attempt is almost always going to result like the first. At this point, the rule has now doubled the chances of the vaulter being injured.
The new rule states: “It is a foul if the vaulter leaves the ground in an attempt and fails to clear the crossbar.
•Exception: The competitor aborts the approach and in stopping, plants the pole and momentum causes his/her feet to leave the ground
•The vaulter may stop the approach and have the opportunity to restart the approach within the allotted time for the trial”
The new rule with the exception clearly laid out, exemplifies what the NFHS has intended all along. The original rule, before the 2008 revision, stated the same thing the 2009 rule stated, without the exception. The exception gives the vaulter a chance to stop and not be penalized because their momentum caused both feet to come off the ground. This rule clearly states the vaulter must be aborting the approach. This is a decision that must be made by the official in charge of the pole vault.
I support and applaud the NFHS in their continuing efforts to make pole vaulting as safe as possible. They realized that a mistake was made in the rule and changed it for the following year. Vaulters and their coaches and parents should be aware of all pole vaulting rules and any changes that occur from year to year. If you do not have a copy, please get a copy of the NFHS rules book.
The Next Attempt Sets The Bar Higher
March 26, 2009 by admin
Filed under PV Stuff Review
Film maker Bubba McLean is known for many things in his adventurous career. Bubba is an outstanding pole vaulter, surfer, adventurer, handy-man, and documentary extraordinaire. The Next Attempt, a follow-up film to A Pole Vaulter’s Dream, follows Bubba’s trek across Europe, Japan, and the US as he travels to championship vault meets and street vaults. McLean’s documentary-style film is a pleasant change to the fast paced action that most expect in a pole vault DVD. The Next Attempt shows viewers how unbelievably popular the idea of street vaulting is in Europe. The Europeans apparently find this as good a reason as any to throw back a few pints and enjoy free entertainment, much as Americans would flock to bike week or a wet t-shirt contest during Spring Break. The scenery in this DVD is stunning. The rolling hills of Europe combined with the architectural details of skilled artisans combine for a panoramic panacea. The film focuses on some of the best pole vaulters in the world including Olympic Champion Steve Hooker, American record holders Jenn Stuczynski and Brad Walker, along with a host of other talented vaulters. The eclectic musical background makes the film almost as enjoyable as the vaulting and scenery. Bubba’s ideas in videography are as refreshing as they are unique. Make sure you get your copy and don’t forget the popcorn. The DVD can be purchased at www.thenextattempt.com.
Pole Vault City to Donate Free Pole Vaulting Poles to High Schools
In an effort to reward schools that send a large contingent of pole vaulters to Pole Vault City vault camps, Pole Vault City will donate a free pole vaulting pole to those schools. In order to be eligible for the pole, the school must have 5 vaulters attend the same camp. Pole selection will be made by the Pole Vault City staff based on the vaulter group that is present. There are several reasons, outside of generosity, for the incentive program. Coach Haeck and the staff believe that by having a large group of vaulters from the same school, they are showing a commitment to building a successful program. Pole Vault City believes in rewarding that commitment. High school budgets are shrinking more and more as our nation faces difficult financial times. Pole Vault City understands that those shrinking budgets should not adversely affect the great sport of pole vaulting. By attending a Pole Vault City camp, the program will understand the importance of safety and collectively will be able to recollect the information from the camp as opposed to a single individual. Coaches are encouraged to attend the camps with their athletes. There is never a charge for a coach accompanying an athlete or athletes, but they do have to cover their lunch expenses. Pole Vault City is dedicated to promoting the sport of pole vaulting and is very excited about this new, upcoming plan.
Running Off The Pit Will Not Result In A Make!
March 24, 2009 by admin
Filed under Rules, Safety and Technique
Myth: If a vaulter bobbles a crossbar and runs off the pit, it counts as a clearance as long as the vaulter has exited the pit before the bar falls down.Attention pole vaulters, coaches, and parents: If you run off the pit and the bar falls down - IT’S A MISS! I can’t count the number of times that I attend high school meets and inevitably, a vaulter scrambles to run off the pit because they heard that it would count as long as they were off the pit. All this does is put the vaulter at risk of rolling their ankle or possibly even worse. The rule states that the crossbar must steady itself. If a vaulter or their pole comes into contact with the bar and the bar is wobbling, the best thing to do is lay down in the pit and wait for the official to declare a make. If the bar falls down, then you know you have a miss on the scorecard. This myth is definitely BUSTED!
Pole Vault Camp April 9th and 10th at Astronaut High School
The first pole vault camp of 2009 for Pole Vault City will be held in April at Titusville Astronaut High School. The camp will be on Thursday, April 9th and Friday, April 10th from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. daily. This is a day pole vault camp and vaulters will need to provide their own transportation both to and from the camp site. The cost of the pole vault camp is $300 per vaulter and includes instruction, use of equipment, including poles, camp booklet, t-shirt, and lunch. Vaulters are encouraged to bring sunscreen, athletic attire, and both track and running shoes. To secure a spot in the pole vault camp, please email Coach Haeck at nolevault@gmail.com. If you need additional information, Coach Haeck can be reached at 352.348.5930.
Riley Egan at the 2008 State Meet
Use this link to find directions to Titusville Astronaut High School
Pole Vault City Gets Website and Logo Overhaul
A new day has dawned for Pole Vault City. We have revamped both the logo and the website for your pleasure. Pole Vault City would like to acknowledge Stuart Green and his Level 9 Digital staff in facilitating the overhaul on the website. The new logo was created by yours truly, Bobby Haeck. It is the desire of the staff at Pole Vault City: Marcy, Bobby, Dave, and Lon to provide the best instruction and advice to pole vaulters, their parents, and their coaches. We believe we can help each vaulter be the best that he or she can by providing outstanding instruction, encouragement, and supervision. Our emphasis on safety is second to none. Our performance and safety records speak for themselves. Great sprinters are born - great pole vaulters are created.
Pole Vault City's New Logo
