Pole Vault Carolina

Congratulations to Pole Vault Carolina’s Stephen Risk!

June 9, 2015

It was a cold Sunday in February of 2013 when Panther Creek sophomore Stephen Risk picked up a pole for the first time. Stephen worked hard physically and mentally, and in two short years, became the Panther Creek High School record holder. He qualified for the NCHSSA 4A Indoor State Championships. In his senior year alone, Stephen improved 20”! Stephen graduated this past weekend and will attend Appalachian State University. Stephen, we thank you for the opportunity to be part…

Pole Vault Carolina’s Sofia San Miguel Signs with Appalachian State University

April 16, 2015

Adele San Miguel

Way to go Sofia!!! You took your first jump less than four years ago. You have overcome injuries and adversities, you have worked hard to turn weakness into strengths. Your commitment and will to succeed earned you this amazing opportunity. Congratulations Sofia San Miguel on signing your NCAA Letter of Intent to continue your athletic career at Appalachian State University!!

Requirements for a Stellar Year

August 18, 2014

Adele San Miguel

For the dedicated vaulter, the season begins now, mere weeks after the end of summer track. Those with lofty goals must begin earlier and prepare more fully. Your conditioning, both mental and physical, cannot wait until the official high school season or NCAA start date. Requirements for a Stellar Year: 1. Desire – Define how you want to feel these upcoming seasons. Unbound? Unlimited? What are the precise words? 2. Grit – Lift the weights. Do the pushups. Leap the hurdles. Run, plant,…

The Race of His Life

July 12, 2014

Adele San Miguel

Sometimes, I predict the future. While attending the Central American and Caribbean Junior Championships in Mexico last week, I met Julius Rivera, a sprinter who lives in PA but who represents Puerto Rico. Julius’ father used to hurdle at the University of Puerto Rico. Julius was there to run the 100 and 200 meter races. He admitted that he intended to scratch the 200. I challenged Julius to reconsider his position. What if you false start in the 100 mm? What…

It’s Go Time

April 18, 2014

Adele San Miguel

We strap the pole bag to the top of the truck with bungees, double check the tape, sticky spray, spikes, jersey, water, snacks, gas money, ear phones and protein bars. Poles for long approach, short approach, and the pole our athletes dream of grabbing after they have surmounted their personal record. It’s go time. Time for the long rides and the opportunity to witness our athletes try once again to push themselves against a higher bar. It’s time to show…

World’s Fastest Human: A Coach, A Son, A Company

March 18, 2014

Adele San Miguel

My first exposure to track and field came during the 1979 Pan American Games in Puerto Rico. I witnessed greatness from athletes and coaches even though I had no real comprehension of the magnitude of their feats. It was then that I decided track was going to be my future. Among those whom I saw were Renaldo the hurdler, Carl the long jumper, Willie and Joao the triple jumpers, and Juan the 400/800 runner. Also, I met a coach named Wilbur.…

Purple-Haired Pole Vault Coach

January 30, 2014

Adele San Miguel

When Megan Comstock first started vaulting, she began like all beginners, jumping about 6′. Early on, during a frustrating practice when she did not believe she would ever improve, Coach Jose bet she would clear 8′ by the end of her freshman season. And if she did, he would dye his hair purple, a nod to Megan who has a purple streak on the under side of her brown ponytail. Megan jumped 8’7″ as a freshman, and 11’3″ as a sophomore,…

Safety in Pole Vault

January 22, 2014

Adele San Miguel

In a sport that defies gravity, and is performed on equipment that deteriorates in weather, safety is a high priority. While dangers lurk for those running on the track, they are amplified for the daring few who feel a higher calling. A vocal advocate for pole vault safety, Coach Jose San Miguel recently trained the coaches at the North Carolina Track & Cross Country Coaches Conference. With an in-depth curricula, Jose instructed high school coaches from North Carolina and Virginia on starting a new…

What Follows Breakdown?

December 18, 2013

Adele San Miguel

She used to play left bench in basketball. Fiercely independent, she wanted her own sport, and we let her choose. Then a pole vault pit turned up in the side yard, the runway beneath her bedroom window. Vaulters started coming to the house for practice, and invited her to jump with them. She picked up a pole. Turns out those long legs are good for something other than playing post. They are powerful propellers of speed and launch, and in…

Flying High With Brad Walker

November 7, 2013

Adele San Miguel

Pole vault super star Brad Walker recently visited Pole Vault Carolina and taught these two how to get upside down. He led the young athletes in drills and pole carries. Brad gave as much attention to State Champ Ian West… as he did to our youngest vaulter, Antonio, age 6. He gave every athlete valuable feedback… and he stayed late in the freezing cold so these guys will have their best shot at a great season. Brad posed for photos,…

Congratulations to Pole Vault Carolina’s Stephen Risk!