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Got the information today on Regionals...

Men's Pole Vault Qualifier - 4.90m
Women's Pole Vault Qualifier - 3.66m

That's roughly 16'0 and 12'0

What do you all think about the standards, and regionals in general?

They are fair. They wanted to take roughly the 100th best mark for each event. All the times and distances are relatively low. Lon

I think these standards give some relatively mediocre vaulters a chance to have a big day!

Naa, it makes sure that all the people at nationals are ready to go and keeps the bogus marks out that are typically done at a select few meets. You'll find that the guys that are suppost to be there will be. Besides they are gonna give 7-9 at large bids for those who may screw up or get left out because of a strong region. Lon

I'm sorry, but In my opinion there are no "bogus marks" in pole vaulting. If you do it once, you can do it again.

i'm gonna have to agree with adam on this one......i mean if you've done it, like, all you have to do is get your mind in the same place again and you'll be there (well if you are at teh same place physically or better)

I don't think Lon meant that "bogus marks" meant a vaulter couldn't duplicate their highest jump under the same circumstances. When I think of bogus marks, I think of illegal facilities with deep boxes, or weighted crossbars, tape on the pegs, incorrect standards, etc. That's why so many high marks have come out of places like El Paso, Juarez, Knoxville, and Abilene and many of those vaulters could never jump as high anywhere else.

Is it true that you can automatically qualify to nationals with a 5.55 mark? If any of yall know, fill me in

I like the regionals idea. It will help to remove any "bogus marks" which like it or not, are out there. It also helps to filter out some of the "one big day" guys, who have one big mark, and can't seem to make a bar any other day. It also helps to limit the "early marks" for athletes who put up a big mark early in the season, and aren't ready to compete later in the year.
It is also a huge benefit to schools or athletes who can't afford to travel to adventageous conditions, or the great facilities.
The part that sucks is that it adds another "big meet" to the schedule for elite college athletes. A confrence meet, Regional meet, NCAA's, and US Nationals. Pushing USA's, and NC's closer together, while adding to an already limited training schedule.

in my opinion, i think this regionals system takes away the prestege of the NCAA Championships, before it was an honor just to go and be in the top 18-20 athletes in the country, now you are just one of the few that got lucky or whatever........thats just have to see how it pans out
i may be wrong

ps. the best part of track season is getting on NCAA's list and seeing where you and everyone else stands after every meet

vaulter580 wrote:ps. the best part of track season is getting on NCAA's list and seeing where you and everyone else stands after every meet

I totally agree. Just to see your name on the list tells you that you are truly one of the best in the nation. That meens alot.

Lonestar, don't "bad mouth" Knoxville to hard about bogus marks. One of the top 2 or 3 vault officials in the United States is there in Knoxville! I know he won't take any garbage from anybody, including the Tennessee vaulters!