As the dust settles (literally) at the conclusion of the 2013 UCS Spirit National Pole-Vault Summit in Reno Nevada, it’s a good time to celebrate the overwhelming success of this years event and reflect on the many factors that contributed to it.
First, it is important to recognize and thank the silent champions who make it all possible with their boundless energy and good natured enthusiasm. The Summit staff is indebted to the willingness and physical labor of our volunteer student athletes that work tirelessly to get the arena in shape for the 2-day event. They spend literally days and hours unloading trucks, laying down carpet, building runways, setting up standards, hauling in pits and otherwise preparing a superb competition facility to host the National Pole Vault Summit. They avail themselves to disassemble it all in a matter of hours at the Summit conclusion as well - working into the wee hours of the morning. Our deepest thanks and gratitude go to the volunteer teams from Chico State, Butte College, Right of Passage, UC Davis, Sac State, Mt. San Antonio College, Idaho State and the University of Kansas. A special thank you also to Mr. Bill Wenholtz and Carlos Hernadez for offering his direction and skill during the entire process, and bringing continuity and his expertise every year.
Our appreciation also to the National Pole Vault Summit Directors who volunteer their time, oversight and logistical resources again and again, Steve Chappell and Lane Maestretti of UCS Spirit, and Bob Fraley.
This year we were honored to host one of the most exciting and inspiring Pole Vault Summits in recent years. In addition to our own national champions and elite vaulters, we welcomed international competitors including SIX Olympic Champions, several IAAF World Champions, and nearly a dozen current National Record Holders from several continents.
With an international world class field for Friday’s Global Elite Competition, excitement and anticipation filled the air of the arena and 2012 Olympic Champion Renaud Lavillenie did not disappoint. He cleared 19’2” in the Men’s Global Elite Competition and had close attempts at 19’5”. It was an inspiring performance for all generations and levels of athletes from beginners to our own USA elite. He followed it with a marathon autograph signing session that was executed in good humor and extended generosity.
Also a highlight was 2012 Olympic Champion Jenn Suhr and her coach Rick Suhr. THey offered perspective, expertise, training advice and support in an amazing question / answer format lecture session and seemed to be everywhere signing autographs, posing for pictures, passing out posters. On Saturday they patiently and graciously signed autographs, answered questions and displayed Jenn's 2008 Silver and 2012 Gold medals for the long line of fans. Her inspiration and willingness to engage with vaulters at all levels make her a true ambassador of the event. We were honored to welcome her.
The new coaches and athlete breakout sessions were a highly successful addition to this year’s event and were much appreciated by all of those who participated. The opportunity for small group discussions with the likes of Steve Hooker, Stacy Dragila, Tim Mack, Nick Hysong and Jenn and Rick Suhr among others was not only technically beneficial, but inspiring and enthusiastically received.
Focused on advancing a safe, responsible Pole Vault culture, the National Pole Vault Summit hosted over 1,000 athletes in 57 competitions and saw just that - a responsible vaulting community. The enthusiasm, eagerness to learn and appreciation throughout the weekend bring energy to the Summit and make the tremendous coordinated effort all worth it. It is because of the willingness to learn and excel, and an innate exuberance for the sport that the annual National Pole Vault Summit continues to grow and thrive. We are already looking forward to encourage - engage - educate - inspire next year.
The National Pole Vault Summit is honored to welcome the attending superstars of recent years including Junior Champions, College Champions, World Champions, and Olympic Champions.
Renaud Lavillenie – 2012 Olympic Champion - World Champion - French National Record Holder 6.03m
Jenn Suhr – 2012 Olympic Champion - 2008 Olympic Silver - American Record Holder 4.92m
Steve Hooker– 2008 Olympic Champion-Former Olympic Record - 2x World Champion-Australian Record 6.06m
Tim Mack – 2004 Olympic Champion - Former Olympic record holder - 6.01m PR
Nick Hysong –2000 Olympic Champion - Former Olympic record holder
Stacy Dragila –2000 Olympic Champion - 3x World Champion - Former World and American Record Holder
Trey Hardee – 2x World Champion - 2012 Olympic Silver - NCAA Champion - NCAA Decathlon Record Holder
Thiago Braz Da Sila –World Junior Champion - World Youth Olympian
Steve Lewis – British Record Holder - 2012 Olympics 5th place - Multiple time World Championship finalist
Fabiana Murer –2x World Champion - South American Record
BeckyHolliday – 2012 Olympian - Pan American Silver - NCAA Champion '03
Rens Blom – 2005 World Champion - Netherlands National Record Holder
Tori Pena – Irish Record Holder – World Championship Competitor – 2012 Olympian
Daichi Sawano – Japanese National Record Holder - Multiple time World Championship / Olympian
Mary Saxer – 2012 World Team Member - Former National High School Record Holder
April Steiner-Bennett – 2008 Olympian - Pan American Silver - National Junior College Champion
Jeremy Scott – 2012 Olympian - NCAA Division 3 Champion
Chris Swanson – NCAA Division 3 Champion
Shade Weygandt
Darren Niedermeyer
Brysun Stately
April Kubishta
Dustin Deleo
Katy Viuf
Angela Rummans
Special recognition to National Record Holders from all over the WORLD participating at Pole Vault Summit 2013.
American Record Holder
Irish National Record Holder
Netherlands National Record Holder
Australian Record Holder
French Record Holder
British Record Holder
Japanese National Record Holder
South American Record Holder
Mexican Record Holder
Sri Lankin Record Holder
Venezuelan Record Holder
We are pleased to announce our 2013 Hall of Fame Inductees.
Lee Barnes -
Has been remembered by movie fans as the only man to ever stunt double for Buster Keaton in the silent film College when he vaulted into a second story window. A standout athlete from Hollywood, Lee won Olympic Gold in Paris 1924 - as a 17 year old! He was also a World Record Holder by vaulting 14' 1 3/4" with a bamboo pole.
Mel Mueller -
In 1972, forty years ago, Title IX opened the door to provide greater gender equity for women in college sports, which coincidentally was the same year Mel Mueller was born. A 10 time All-American and 3 time NCAA Division 3 champion in the Hurdles and High Jump, Mel went on to represent the USA in the first ever Olympic pole vault for women in 2000. Mel ended her career with a vault of 15' 1 3/4" and once held the American Indoor Record.
George Dales-
Has become a member of the USATF and NCAA Track and Field Coaches Association Hall of Fames. He coached 3 World Record Holders, 5 American Record Holders, 3 NCAA Champions, and the first ever 18' pole vaulter Christos Papanicolaou. He is also the former editor of Track and Field Quarterly and International Track and Field Journal. George was also the President of the NCAA Track and Field Coaches Association as well as the President of the International Coaches Association.
Be a part of the largest Pole Vault Event of the YEAR. The National Pole Vault Summit is your opportunity to refresh – restart and begin preparations for your 2013 track season! Meet Olympic Gold medalist Jenn Suhr and learn what it takes to achieve your highest dreams!!
High School athletes will have a roundtable format with the best vaulters in the USA to gather tips on what it takes to raise your Personal Bests, and with learn by doing sessions from the top coaches, there is no better clinic to prepare yourself for the 2013 season and beyond.
NEW Athlete question / answer for College / Open / Master's Athletes
Enjoy the exclusivity of immersing yourself with the pole vault community!
Register NOW for #PVS2013!! Jan. 4th is the LAST day to Register.
Registration Type
Normal Registration Oct. 1, 2012 - Dec. 5, 2012
Late Registration Dec. 6, 2012 - Jan. 4 2013
Athlete
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$ 120.00
Coach**
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$ 100.00
Parent
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$ 45.00
Spectator
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$ 25.00
**Please note there is an added $20.00 for Competing Coaches. You can read a description of each Registration type at the Registration Form page when you sign in to your online account to register. Also note that The National Pole Vault Summit is a non-refundable event. The above dates are based on Eastern Standard Time - Normal registration rates end at 11:59pm EST December 5th, 2012.
The Total Pole Vault Experience
The National Pole Vault Summit is a grassroots developmental clinic established and continued to promote safety and encourage the advancement of Pole Vaulting at all levels through constant education. The Summit structure is designed to meet the needs of all ability levels including athlete, coaches, and parent break-out sessions, learn-by-doing instruction and roundtable discussion with the world’s best athletes and coaches. Led by National and Regional Staff influenced by National Men’s and Women’s Pole Vault Developmental chairmen, each year we compile the most experienced and extensive staff to bring a truly unique experience for our attendees. We appreciate the massive amount of help to put on the best event in Track and Field. We look forward to seeing you in January!
A Special Thank you!
There is only ONE National Pole Vault Summit brought together with an army of Volunteers who dedicate their time, hard work and knowledge. This event is not possible without them.
We sincerely appreciate all the support of everyone attending the Summit to advance your ability and owe the success of this event to all the volunteers who make it possible!
