July 2015 University of Memphis

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contents

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FROM THE EDITOR

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“If it makes you happy, don’t quit”

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What Every Collegiate Athlete Should Know

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The Mighty Memphis Tigers

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This sport we Love / Hate / All of the above

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Photo by Steve Austell

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FROM THE EDITOR In the midst of all the summer fun and workouts, fall is peeking its way around the corner! The fall semester is approaching fast and soon it will seem like you were never on break. But in the meantime, we have a great lineup of articles this month!

Sometimes we forget what college is all about.

When you’re a college athlete, it’s common to forget that you’re at school for an education— not getting an education just so you can be a college athlete. Penny Hanson found a great blog for her article this month and the blogger, Tamara Pridgett, has some great points about being a college athlete. This article has terrific advice that you won’t want to miss.

We all love pole vaulting. But it is sometimes the most frustrating sport! Do you hate it?

Do you love it? Well, it’s both.

It’s not just the athletes either, the parents love/hate pole vault too. It’s so frustrating watching your child try again and again to achieve a new PR or break a record and miss, but every time

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they succeed makes it all worth it. Koni Lovett, pole vault mom, puts the parent-frustration into great words where she expresses her love and hate for the sport and why she believes it is still all worth it at the end of the day.

Parents, this is worth your time.

Allison Jeffries

Injuries can be a huge setback. They can ruin all of your plans and sometimes you never see the end of them. But rather than letting them defeat you, defeat the injury and continue to do what you love. That’s exactly what Jennifer Kistemaker did.

After knee surgery, Jen rehabbed and worked hard to have a suc-

cessful senior year despite what everyone told her. If you believe in yourself and what you are capable of, you can do whatever you want. Don’t miss this motivational story, it’s amazing.

On the cover this month is the great University of Memphis. Coach Fraizer just finished his 9th season as pole vault coach and what a 9th season it was! Qualifying three athletes to the NCAA Outdoor Championships, breaking records, and a clean sweep at conference, Coach Fraizer’s Tiger vaulters had quite the successful season and there is more to come next season! Jump on over to this story and see what this great team is all about!

For now, have a great rest of your summer. We will see you next month with more new and exciting topics. Until then, take care and we will see you soon!

Editor Sadie Lovett Sadie@vaultermagazine.com

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Only Track & Field News can keep you fully informed about which athletes to watch, who’s hot and who’s not. We take you step-by-step, meet-by-meet, through the indoor season, outdoor conference championships, the domestic relay and invitational carnivals, the NCAAs, the U.S. Nationals, the Grand Prix events in Europe and of course the Olympics and World Championships.

Each issue is packed with meet stories, performer lists and other useful stats, interviews and profiles of your favorite athletes, action photos galore, opinion columns and feature articles, and everything else you need to keep abreast of the total track scene. If high school track is your special interest, seven issues during the year carry prep top performer lists and reports.

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“If it makes you happy,

don’t quit” By: Sadie Lovett

Junior year and one week before districts, Jennifer Kistemaker was finishing up her practice with hurdles, trying to get her 3-step down. Little did she know that this day would change everything. During this hurdle practice, Jennifer’s step was messed up and it caused her to hit the hurdle. Her body tumbling one way, and her leg going the other, Jennifer tore her ACL and Meniscus.

Now what? It was a week before districts and she needed surgery. But the need for surgery was nowhere near her need to compete. Jennifer decided to postpone her surgery until after the states meet because of her passion for pole vault: “Everyone thought I was a little crazy.” Crazy or not, Jen-

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nifer ended up winning the districts and regional meet, which sent her on to the states meet. Jennifer took second place after a jump-off for first at states with a jump of 11’6: “Even though I lost, that is my biggest accomplishment.” Now it was time to have the surgery.

“Rehab was the worst thing I have ever had to go through,” Jennifer tells us. Because of the surgery, Jennifer missed her summer season and instead spent it in rehab and physical therapy almost every day.

Fall of 2014, Jennifer’s senior year, didn’t go as fast as she had planned. Her road to recovery never seemed to end. Rehab took longer, getting started went slower, and her drive to get back to where

she had been was restricted by her body not cooperating.

Even after joining the swim team to stay in shape, Jennifer could hardly run a mile on her first day of practice. But her love for pole vault would not let her quit: “I loved the sport and I wanted to come back and win states and vault in college.” Though she had this never-ending drive, Jennifer’s struggles continued. “It was hard not being the best I knew I could be and starting all over again,” she tells us, “I wasn’t able to run very fast so that changed my whole vault.”

Having to move at a slow pace and her body not cooperating, Jennifer was then approached by her school coaches and asked to stop. “They said she was broken” and would never

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Jennifer Kistemaker

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Jennifer Kistemaker

be good again. Though this crushed her, it only fueled the fire within and she proceeded to “work her butt off.”

She had people encouraging her. “My mom and my club coach Coach Mason always encouraged me to continue and they always had faith in me,” Jennifer says. This encouragement and drive for success took her all the way to regionals. Regionals was nowhere near perfect conditions with a “wicked side wind.” Jennifer’s

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goal for regionals was to place in the top four, but a hope to win it and continue on to states.

When it was time to vault, “everything just felt right” she tells us. “After I cleared 11, I went to 11’9 and cleared it on my first attempt. I screamed so loud that people on the other side of the field could hear me. I looked at coach and said ‘12’2.’ He gave me a nod, and I went to the back of the runway and cleared it on my first attempt.” With a new PR of 12’2, Jennifer had not only qualified

for states, but she also shattered several records. Jennifer was going into the states meet a foot and 2 inches higher than the second ranked girl at states, she broke the regional meet record, and then she broke her school record—all with the 12’2 vault.

“States was like any other meet with a few more nerves,” Jennifer says. Being her last high school meet, Jennifer wanted to do her best. After winning by clearing 11’6, Jen-

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nifer put the bar at 12’3. “I picked up my big pole, 13’6 160 FX, and gave it everything I had,” she says. For one of her attempts, she had the hipheight to clear 12’3, but she hit it on the way down.

Wrapping up her season with a new PR, new records, and winning golds, Jennifer’s pole vault career will continue Fall of 2015 where she will leave home of Largo, Florida and attend the University of Florida. Jennifer never quit.

Though there may have been times where it was almost too difficult to handle, she always got right back to it the next day.

“If I would have given up when my coaches told me to, I never would have this amazing opportunity,” she says.

Let her story be an inspiration to anyone who is struggling with an injury. Injuries can take a long time to heal and they can cause some major setbacks. But don’t give up and don’t think that you won’t get better. If you want it, don’t let anyone tell you that you can’t do it. If you put in the work and take the time to do what you need to, there will be positive outcomes. And sometimes those positive outcomes may happen in a couple weeks or at the end of your season, but do not give up: Jennifer didn’t.

Jennifer Kistemaker

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Jennifer Kistemaker

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What Every Collegiate Athlete Should Know I have recently been in contact with Tamara Pridgett, a 2014 graduate of the University of Arizona. Tamara was an All-American Athlete as a sprinter in both the indoor and outdoor seasons. I contacted Tamara after I read her blog “What Every College Athlete Should Know”. She tells it like it is and I love her perspective about college recruitment, academics, emotions, and reality. Her three pieces of advice are valuable for any college athlete. Thank you for your insight, Tamara!

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When you sign your National Letter of Intent the emotions that typically ensue are a mixture of nerves and excitement about starting a new chapter in your life. Your school of choice has sold you on what they have to offer. That is why you signed the letter in the first place, right?

Whatever your reasons may be to signing your life over to your school of choice for the next four or five years, you’ve bought into the mission of the athletic department, the program of your sport, and most importantly the training. On your recruiting trip they show you the latest million dollar facilities, the weight room, the academic services, the newest dorms, and all the gear you’ll be receiving.

You’re in love. So was I.

But what they don’t show you is the adversity you’ll more than likely face. The injuries, the team “drama”, the stress of managing school

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and your sport. They don’t show, or tell you nearly enough that your sport does not define you. Yes, your sport has gotten you to where you are, but it is not the end all.

Penny Hanson

My last four years at The University of Arizona have been life changing. I have grown as an athlete and as a person. With only two more guaranteed collegiate track meets I’ve spent the past few weeks reflecting on my time as a Wildcat. I’ve had a rough season. Scratch that. I’ve had the worst season of my life.

Coming onto this team I had goals, like most athletes.

I planned on breaking every short sprint record, being an All-American numerous times, and going pro right after college. Besides being a twotime All-American and part of the school record setting 4x100 meter relay and 4x400 meter relay teams, none of that happened.

What I’ve gotten out of this experience, and what I pray all athletes get out of their collegiate experience is….an education.

#1

We are so quick to overlook what this really means. Go ask a friend who isn’t on an

athletic scholarship how much they pay for school. Google the percentage of people who obtain their Bachelor degrees. To be honest, not once have I ever looked at a tuition bill. That alone is amazing.

To be able to say that I am graduating from a Division 1 institution with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Communication and most importantly NO DEBT is a blessing. Do not take the education you will receive/ are receiving for granted! You are a student first, and an athlete second!

But what does that really mean? To me it means preparing for your future. Don’t choose the “easiest” major. Concentrate on a field that speaks to you. That challenges you. A field that if tomorrow you were told you couldn’t compete ever again you will enjoy.

Being able to share my talent and love for track and field with fans, and inspiring someone to go run is a wonderful feeling. No matter how bad you think you are,

#2

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children seem to look past that.

They see us as superstars. They see us how I see Beyoncé.

Fun Fact Did you know

that Meagan Martin (#mightymeagan) was a Vanderbilt pole vault record holder in 2012 with a jump of 3.95 or 12’11 ½. Since graduating, the 5’4 gymnast, pole vaulter, now rock climber is the fastest woman to finish the Ninja Warrior obstacle.

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Having children go crazy for me even though I am an average sprinter makes my heart smile. Interacting with them and hearing that because of me they want to participate in track is so fulfilling. Take the time to speak to them, to take a picture with them. Remember how you were as a child with your favorite athlete(s).You never know what you may inspire that child to do for simply being kind.

These are the moments I want you to cherish, because when all the fame and recognition fades the influence that you have on children and your community remain.

My advice to all of you who will be beginning your career as a collegiate athlete in the months to come is to take advantage of all the services your athletic department and college offers you.

#3

Plan for your future. I cannot stress that enough! It’s never too early to begin thinking about life post athletics. Whether you are done after four years or are fortunate enough to turn pro, one day you will be done.

Build a support system. Make friends outside of the athletic department. Get involved in the community. Give back. Respect your team and your talent. Hold onto your happiness!

I’m not trying to kick you off of Cloud Nine, but there are going to be times when you want to quit. There are going to be times when you question what you’re doing and are ready to walk away from it all. But these next four years are also going to be some of the most amazing experiences of your life.

Be present. Enjoy every moment of your athletic career because it goes quick. And most importantly…..Congratulations!

To learn more about Tamara Pridgett, visit her website: tamarapridgett.com or www.arizonawildcats.com/ViewArticle. dbml?ATCLID=209228228.

Please feel free to contact me with any questions you may have!

Penny Hanson, Hanson College Consultants penny@hansoncollegeaccess.com 720-883-6800

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TOP: Coach Tyler Fraizer, Tim Jones, Tuure Hollo, Pauls Pujats, Luis Hanssler, Marc Klaschka, Volunteer Asst. Karlis Pujats BOTTOM: Jada Parker, Ofelia Carmichael, Sabrina Hochreuther, Dorina vaulter magazine 2015 Carolina Carmichael, Kimi Jennings Baiker, Clara Amat Fernandez,

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The Mighty Memphis Tigers By: Sadie Lovett

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In the beautiful state of Tennessee, the University of Memphis Tigers have their sights set on the upcoming school year. After taking a mandatory 2-3 week break after the competition season was over, the Tiger vaulters are now able to do some summer workouts. With the long competition season these vaulters had, that mandatory rest was much needed.

Leading the Tiger vaulters, Coach Fraizer just finished his 9th season as the pole vault coach. He is also a Tiger alumnus who started his coaching career right after he graduated. During Coach Fraizer’s career, his athletes have both the men and women, indoor and outdoor, pole vault records.

“My achievements consist of both indoor and outdoor AllAmericans, numerous regional qualifiers, and conference champions” he tells us.

Kimi Jennings

When Coach Fraizer started coaching, he had one guy vaulter and two women vaulters. Now, he has five men, three decathletes, and seven women vaulters. On the men’s side, he has Pauls Pujats (5.55 or 18’2.5) who was the Bronze Medalist at the 2014 NCAA Indoor Championships and Silver

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Medalist at the 2015 NCAA Outdoor Championships. His decathletes are Luis Hanssler a 7,471 point decathlete, Marc Klaschka a 7,038 point decathlete, Tuure Hollo a 7,110 point decathlete, and Tim Jones with a PR of 4.54m ( ) and has also been training for the decathlon for the past three years.

For the Women’s team, the Tigers have Carolina Carmichael (4.50m or 14’9) who placed 10th at the 2014 NCAA Outdoor Championships and 11th at the 2015 NCAA Outdoor Championships, Sabrina Hochreuther (4.18m or 13’8.5), Clara Amat Fernandez (4.08m or 13’4.5), Dorina Baiker (4.00m or 13’1.5), Jada Parker (3.71m or 12’2), Kimi Jennings (3.59m or 11’9 ¼), and Ofelia Carmichael (3.50 or 11’5 ¾). “I like for my athletes to become students of their event meaning I want them to learn everything they can about pole vault—how to train, how to rest, how to compete, and learn from other vaulters. There are many ways of doing this event and many people have different ways of excelling in the vault,” says Coach Fraizer.

Coach Fraizer likes to think his position as coach like a caddy for a golfer: “I will tell them what they are doing

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wrong and right in practice or training, but when it comes to the meet, I let them jump.”

Coach Fraizer does not like to get that technical at meets— that’s what practice is for.

He will tell them what pole to jump on or where their standards should be or how the wind is—just like a caddy would tell their golfer. Just like a golfer is with his/her

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At Memphis, the Tiger vaulters use whichever poles make them feel most comfortable, unless Coach Fraizer sees something different that would help them. For different drills, the vaulters have a high bar. “We have countless drills we do throughout the year to help improve technique,” says Coach. They also use a rope, hurdles, and they use mats or turf to do gymnastics.

Carolina Carmichael

club, the vaulter knows what pole he/she should jump on and what that pole should feel like. Another important thing Coach Fraizer works on with his vaulters, is finding

a routine—practice how you compete. “I like to see them warm-up, stretch, do the same drills in practice as they would in meets,” Coach tells us.

The male leader of the team is Pauls Pujats. He was 3rd at the 2014 NCAA Indoor Championships, 10th at the 2014 Outdoor Championships, 6th at the World Junior Championships, Latvian Indoor and Outdoor Champion, two-time U18 European Championship Participant (once finalist), three-time U23 European Championship Participant (once finalist), World University Games Finalist, and two-time Senior European Championships Participant. And if that weren’t enough, Pauls placed 2nd at the 2015 NCAA Outdoor Championships. “He has the ‘big’ meet experience that he can share with the other vaulters on the team to make them better when that time comes,” Coach tells us.

On the Women’s side, there have been three different school record holders within

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Pauls Pujats

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the last few years. Carolina Carmichael is the current school record holder for both indoor and outdoor. She placed 10th at the 2014 NCAA Outdoor Championships, an Illinois State Champion, and just recently took 11th at the 2015 NCAA Outdoor Championships.

Sabrina Hochreuther placed 7th at the German Outdoor Championships and 16th at the 2015 NCAA Outdoor Championships. Clara Amat Fernandez is a two-time European Junior Participant, once finalist, World Youth Finalist, and World Junior Participant. All three of these women vaulters have had or have shared the school record. “These three women really feed off each other at competitions. The whole women’s group, which also includes Dorina Baiker (2nd Place German Juniors), Jada Parker (Tennessee State Champion), Kimi Jennings (two-time Tennessee State Champion), and Ofelia Carmichael, are constantly helping each other improve and support each other,” Coach Fraizer says. Carolina, Clara, and Sabrina placed 1, 2, and 3 at The 2015 American Outdoor Track and Field Championships, accordingly.

“Each team member plays an

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integral part of our program, without one, something would be missing. For all of these and more, each individual is an unofficial team leader,” says Coach.

According to Coach Fraizer, there is a lot that goes into the recruiting process at the University of Memphis. Coach Fraizer looks at more than just the personal record of the recruit. First he likes to look at the ahtlete’s background of pole vault. Did they have a high school or club coach? What other sports did they do? “I look for an athletic individual who shows potential for growth and is willing to do the little things on and off the track to get better,” Coach says. Wanting to keep things competitive, Coach Fraizer looks for certain heights: Men vaulting around 15’6 or higher, and women vaulting aroung 11’6 or higher. “An allencompassing athlete who epitomizes our philosophy as a flourishing track and field program is what is truly important,” he says.

Coach Fraizer has three former men vaulters who have continued their vault careers as an athlete or coach. Karlis Pujats (2010-2012) PR of 5.36m or 17’7. He is a Latvian

Indoor and Outdoor Champion and 2015 Indoor European Championships Participant.

Karlis is continuing to vault and he also coaches alongside Coach Fraizer. Austin Crenshaw (2011-2014) PR of 5.38m or 17’7 ¾, is now training with Tim Mack, Olympic Gold Medalist in Knoxville, TN. And also, Nate Arnold (2010-2013) PR of 4.98m or 16’4, is a volunteer Assistant Coach at Duke University. “I cannot take credit for their achievements, but they make me tremendously proud to be my former athletes wishing to continue beyond the program,” Coach Fraizer tells us.

Practices begin at the start of September with conditioning and then a gradual introduction to the weight room and the start of working on technique. The technique they usually start with is run mechanics, then to vault drills, and then jumping.

The Tiger Vaulters do several activities with other teammates, which helps bond the different events on the team. When everyone comes back after summer break, the Tigers will have team meetings and those meeting usually turn into some kind of game night.

“These are some of our fondest

team building memories, as they are extremely comical to watch,” he tells us. Like all athletes, the Tigers build up quite an appetite, so one of their favorite pastimes is eating! They have played games like paintball, which is just another activity for them to get competitive at because Coach Fraizer is the one to beat! But these athletes don’t just play games, they also take the time to give back to their community. Some of their favorite things to do is volunteer at the Children’s Museum and charity events benefiting the local Children’s Hospital. “It’s enjoyable to see the athletes interact with each other and the community and just cut loose and have a great time,” Coach Fraizer says.

As summer training continues, the success of the Tiger vaulters will only go up from here! There is no doubt that the 2015/2016 season will be filled with broken records, personal bests, and lifetime accomplishments for all of these vaulters.

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This sport we: A. Love B. Hate C. All of the above.

By: Koni Lovett

I am on my way to watch my oldest daughter vault on this sunny, but cool, 42 degree morning. I am dressed in layers and am hoping the stadium will offer a windbreak. It's not the first time I've been cold watching a daughter vault. My other daughter has actually vaulted in snow flurries— Crazy Illinois weather.

However, I am not writing this to discuss weather conditions. I am writing this to talk about this crazy sport that I HATE. No, wait, I mean LOVE.

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Well, actually I guess it's both.

Let me explain…

A few weeks ago, I was at a vault competition watching my younger daughter, and vaulters from her club, compete. After a vaulter came up short, and almost landed in the box, her mother, sitting a few people down from me, leaned forward and said "I hate this sport!” Then, on her daughter's next vault, which was absolutely beautiful, this same mom leaned forward and exclaimed "I love this sport!"

And in those two short sentences she successfully summed up the feelings of all of us parents who watch their children vault.

Pole vaulting is a great sport. It really is! It teaches a child so many wonderful things. Instills qualities that will stick with them their whole lives. However, the road to those qualities is tough. Many bruises, injuries, soreness, and tears pave the way. As a vaulter mom for 7 years, I've seen it all. It has

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strengthened me also. I've learned not to cry when my daughter misses a PR bar or no heights: at least not then. I wait and do it in the bathroom at the stadium, or at night in my bed. My heart absolutely breaks for them.

I've learned how to give a pep talk, without repeating the same words each time. I say the same thing each time, just use different words. I've learned to stay away from my mad, disappointed vaulter, and let them come to me when they're ready. But more than all this, I've learned that from every competition, a positive can be found.

There are the easy ones: a new PR, finally getting on a bigger pole, or winning a competition. But then there are ones that are not quite so easy to see. But they're there. And I talk to my vaulter after each meet (usually the next day) about what they were. It's a good practice that I recommend. Since I started doing this, I think it has helped. I now hear my youngest daughter telling ME the positive things that came out of her competition. I have even heard her telling other vaulters the positive things of their performance.

• Some of the Positive things from a bad meet include: • She dealt with the steep competition with a great attitude.

• She went up on all her last three attempts (or at least she didn't run through all of them).

• She didn't cry this time after a failed 3rd attempt.

• She stayed and cheered on the other vaulters after she was out (great sportsmanship).

• She at least tried to get on that bigger pole

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Ken, Sadie and Koni Lovett

in a competition.

• She is able to understand what went wrong and can now work on it for the next competition.

• She worked on the technique that she had been practicing (moving her hands, swinging to invert, rolling over her hands, being patient, finishing on top, throwing her pole, etc).

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with the disappointments and successes. There is a tremendous amount of pressure in this sport and they learn how to find that inner strength to cope with it, deal with it and eventually overcome it, by using the stress to their advantage instead of letting it shut them down. Teenagers have a lot to deal with in their everyday life.

Self-confidence takes a beating every single day in Jr. high and high school. It's a delicate thing. Vaulting can both boost it, and knock it down. It's how it is handled that determines which it is going to do.

The list goes on and on.

Really, it's all about knowing what your vaulter is working on, what they are struggling with, and pointing out how you saw an improvement.

Or, if you don't know much about vaulting, (and I knew

NOTHING about vaulting) you can ask them to explain it to you. It helps them understand better when they are teaching you.

What is important here is helping your vaulter deal

   Not every Joe on the street can grab a long pole, run as fast as they can, slam that pole into a box, and then hurl themselves feet into the air!

That is an amazing thing that our vaulters do several times in practice and competition.

And the crazy thing? They love doing it! Vaulting is a legal drug that gets them high! If they are lucky enough, like my daughters, they are part of a club that is a second family.

They are safe, off the streets, active, healthy, engaged, and having fun! What more could we ask for?

Well, for one, I would ask for less stress as I watch, wishing and praying that she finally get that elusive PR. I would ask for

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Fun Fact Did you know

that John Mellencamp was a pole vaulter? The Jack and Diane singer pole vaulted 12’6 in high school.

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that stupid bar to stay put just because she barely brushed it on the way over. I would ask for her to not be so heart broken when she doesn't do as well as she anticipated. I would ask that my heart not stop when she lands short, or deep. I know, I'm asking a lot.

But like I said, watching this sport is hard!

The same mother I spoke about earlier told me, "I think vaulting is a beautiful thing to watch. When all the elements are put together, it really is a graceful, beautiful thing. However, in between those beautiful vaults, it is heart wrenching and even terrifying."

But, in the end, it's not about us "watchers." It's about our "doers" out there who we love. They are working hard to succeed at something that they love. They love that adrenaline rush. It is boosting their self-esteem, letting them know that if they can do this, they can do anything! They are learning that failure can be used as motivation. That one failure does not mean every time will be a failure. They can learn that sometimes, they have to dig deep, fight harder than ever before, just to take one tiny step forward. And

that one tiny step can lead to another and another, and one day...success. And I'm not just talking Pole Vaulting.

Since I’ve written this, my oldest daughter has competed in her last collegiate competition. Her last one.

It was a surreal experience for me. I remember her first competitions in high school.

Wasn’t that yesterday?

As she starts this new chapter in her life, I am confident that she will be able to handle all that life throws at her. She is tough, determined, grounded, driven, and confident. Pole vaulting helped to develop these characteristics. It was worth all the tears, pain, miles, money and stress! One day it will be over. But it will all be worth it.

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Betsy Lovett

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vaulter magazine 2015

juLY 2015 issue

www.vaultermagazine.com

2015 vaulter magazine

39

VAULTER

MAGAZINE

40

vaulter magazine 2015