Missing the mark equals a new jump. Hitting the bar results in a red flag. Everything has to be exactly precise.
“I just focus on everything and make sure I throw my pole back, so it doesn’t knock down the bar,” said sophomore Emily Coats, who finished 8th in the state pole vault May 3 at Rogers High School.
Coats, along with sophomore Payton Stumbaugh and senior Jacob McWhortner, launches herself through the air and over a bar.
“It’s real fun to be able to do something not a lot of people can do,” said Coats.
According to these three participants pole vaulting takes strong shoulders, leg strength and a healthy diet.
“It take lots of practice because it’s so technical,” said sophomore Payton Stumbaugh, who tied for first at state with a vault of 10-6 inches.
Pole vaulting also involves running fast, being able to place the pole right before the jump and having the concentration to be able to think about the whole jump and landing all at once.
“You have to have strong shoulders and a good sprint,” said Coats, who jumped 8-6 inches.
“You have to picture yourself vaulting. Take an extra deep breathe and run with all your might,” said McWhorter, who placed sixth (12-6 inches) at state.