Nice Article on Paul Friedenbach

[Bubba PV]

http://www.santacruzsentinel.com/sports ... ?FORM=ZZNR

Local Roundup: S.C. alum wins masters pole vault national title
- Sentinel staff report
Posted: 08/08/2009 01:30:54 AM PDT

When Santa Cruz High alum Paul Friedenbach decided to whip himself back into athletic shape three years ago, he probably didn't expect to win a men's pole vaulting title at the 2008 USA Masters Outdoor Track & Field Championships held in Spokane, Wash. But after that victory, Friedenbach worked hard to go back to the 2009 National Championships in Oshkosh, Wisc. There, he succeeded in winning his second national title in as many years.

At age 38, Friedenbach won the men's age 35-40 pole vault on July 12. He won with the measurement of 15 feet, 4 inches in less-than-ideal weather conditions.

Friedenbach graduated from Santa Cruz in 1990 after setting the Santa Cruz County pole vault record at 15 feet, a mark that stands to this day. He gave up vaulting after college, taking a 15 year hiatus from the sport. Three years ago Friedenbach took up the sport again.

"I needed motivation in order to get back into shape," Friedenbach said. "I already knew how to pole vault. There's no sense in reinventing the wheel."

Friedenbach will go for his third straight national championship next year in Sacramento. He said he'll also attempt to win a world championship in 2011, also in Sacramento.

By Worlds, Friedenbach will be 40 and will be on the younger side of the 40-45 men's category, which he believes will be a nice advantage.