PoleVaultPower.com

Hi,

I am a high school coach in Staten Island NY, and have a squad of 12+ pole vaulters. We are currently practicing on high jump mats, and are in desperate need of either more mats, or a pit. We have raised some money, but we cannot afford a new pit. We would love to get a used set of mats from a school that has extras, or is replacing their pit. It does not matter if the pit is not regulation, or if it is old (the high jump mats we are using are ancient). I am willing to travel anywhere within 8-10 hours of NY city. If you know of any possibilities please let me know by e-mail: crabbe26@hotmail.com, or by phone: (917)402-4371.

Thanks,
Scott Crabbe

Read this story: http://polevaultpower.com/forum/viewtop ... 47&t=18579
and this story: http://polevaultpower.com/forum/viewtop ... 47&t=18478

and reconsider your decision to practice on HJ mats. Even if it means you don't get to jump at all, that is better than one of your kids dying.

That's great that you are looking for more mats. In the meantime, you are putting your athletes in severe danger.

coachcrabbe wrote: ... We have raised some money, but we cannot afford a new pit. ...

Scott, kudos on organizing your PV "squad", and raising "some" money for pit improvements. I admire you for this!

I don't think you need to buy a NEW pit. They're hard to find, but there are USED PV pits for sale. Don't compromize safety for the sake of a few dollars!

As tough as this sounds ... I think you need to raise MORE money ... for a BETTER setup than just HJ pits.

It's not impossible to raise more money ... it just takes more time and effort. I think it will pay off in the long run!

Think of the larger, safe pit as an insurance policy, and even stress the importance of a safe pit in your fund-raising campaign ... for the safety of your squad of 12+ kids!

Kirk

Scott,

I applaud your efforts to put something together for your vaulters even if it is a high jump pit. Quite frankly, we use a high jump pit section indoor prior to getting outside for practice. Of course one is not going to have the expectations that there are with a full pit, but there is a lot to accomplish with a smaller landing area. Pole vaulting is an art, be an artist and create the necessary means to be successful within the framework of also being safe.