), but it looks like Daniel's fund raising efforts are paying off in some publicity which will hopefully translate into $$.
http://www.thetowntalk.com/html/6D1C329 ... 3CDC.shtml
Buckeye's Ryland rises to new heights in pole vault
Tim Harrison
Posted on December 26, 2003
Former Buckeye High School star Daniel Ryland's track and field exploits have taken him to such far away places as Cuba, Belgium and Ireland.
Ryland, who was a four-time state champion in the pole vault, 100-meter dash and 110-meter hurdles at Buckeye, would like to have his next trip outside the United States be in Athens at the 2004 Summer Olympic Games.
To do that, he must raise approximately $9,000 and finish as one of the top three vaulters at the Olympic Trials in Sacramento, Calif., in July. He qualified for the Olympic Trials with a vault of 18 feet, 2 inches at the U. S. Nationals held at Jonesboro, Ark. in 2002.
"I figure I will need a minimum of $13,000 in 2004 in order to travel to the meets I need to compete in, including the trials at Sacramento," said Ryland. "I have raised about $4,000 through contributions from individuals and about 10 business in Central Louisiana thus far."
Ryland explained that his $13,000 budget is a bare bones figure that covers only air fare, ground transportation, hotels and food, and does not include spending money or any luxury items.
He plans to compete in at least eight indoor meets through the end of February and several outdoor events in the spring before Sacramento.
"What most people don't realize is that each time I fly, I have to pay an extra $150-$300 just to transport my poles," he said. "Six 17-foot poles and a cover for them weighs about 50 pounds and is not considered luggage -thus the extra charge."
The 2002 Arkansas State graduate emphasized that American Olympic prospects are not subsidized by the government as they are in many countries.
"American pole vaulters, like other American athletes, must pay their own way or find someone or some organization to sponsor them," Ryland said. "I am presently living, working and training at the Bell Athletic Facility, an indoor training facility for pole vaulters, under the guidance of Earl Bell, a three-time Olympic vaulter."
According to Ryland, Bell Athletics is the center of pole vaulting in the U.S., and currently trains at least five world-ranked vaulters, including Jeff Hartwig, who was ranked No. 1 in the world last year.
"Being able to work with Bell and Hartwig has been invaluable for me and helped me make great improvement in my vaulting," he said. "My best vault in college was 16-8 while I was competing in the decathlon."
"Bell talked me into trying the pole vault in 2002 after I had finished my college career. Under his tutelage, I improved from 16-8 to 18-2 in just one year."
"Right now I am ranked 12th nationally and have cleared 18 feet five times. I think it'll take at least a jump of 18-4 to 18-10 to qualify for the Olympics, and I truly believe I can do that."
When asked about his goals after the 2004 Olympics, Ryland said he would like to compete on the European tour and also return to Louisiana to help young athletes.
"I believe I am good enough to compete in Europe," he said. "If I am good enough to be successful in Europe, then I'll be good enough to compete in two or three more Olympic games."
"My friend Jeff Hartwig is a perfect example of why I think I can compete 10 or 12 more years. He is 36 years old now and was ranked firth in the world just a year ago. He's currently ninth in the world rankings."
Contributions to Daniel Ryland can be made to the Cenla Olympic Fund at Red River Bank.
