Area high schoolers learn the art of the pole vault
Designed to help beginning and experienced vaulters learn to vault safely and correctly using technique drills and routines, Cowley College recently hosted the pole vault clinic on June 9-12.
Participants were taught proper pole carry, run mechanics, plant timing, take-off, and bar clearance. There was an emphasis on approach, plant, and take-off. Pole selection and proper training were also discussed, while video analysis was used to help participants learn.
Cowley College assistant track and field coach Parker Ray and former Tiger track and field athlete Payton Milner led the camp. In his five years as vault coach at Cowley, Ray has coached 21 junior college All-Americans, one national champion, and one national record holder, including 2022 national indoor champion Arantxa Cortez. Coach Ray has been involved with the pole vault for 10 years and has helped lead the Tigers to two national championships, eight Jayhawk Conference titles, 34 NJCAA All-Americans, three top-10 finishes at the NJCAA National Championships, and two national record holders.