Kevin Breen Article (PA)

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http://www.phillyburbs.com/pb-dyn/news/ ... 10592.html

Breen gives Ryan big lift in pole vault

By JASON HASLAM
Bucks County Courier Times
The pole vault has become a legacy handed down every few years at Archbishop Ryan. The reasons are an excellent practice facility and a strong coaching staff.

For the past four years, the main beneficiary has been Kevin Breen. Since his freshman year, Breen has captured five gold medals between the indoor and outdoor season in the Philadelphia Catholic League championships.

This year his coach Ed Ulmer purchased new poles. Ulmer wanted to see Breen use a slightly heavier pole. The following weekend at a meet in Lawrenceville, Breen cleared 14-0 with the new pole.

"Kevin was using a pole for his weight, and since he's a better pole vaulter, I figured with the 60 (made for vaulters in the 160-pound weight range) pole, he could get better height with it."

Breen, who stands at 5-foot-10, 152 pounds and resides in Langhorne, had been using a 55 pole. His dedication to practice and the assistance of pole vault coach Chris McAndrews has helped Breen through his progression.

A tangible factor for Breen has been an Olympic-sized pole vault pit.

"We have a good facility," Ulmer said. "We can use it all year, unlike at other schools where their practices can be dictated by weather."

Just this year the school built a weight room, however, Breen doesn't take advantage of it. He prefers to train at home where he does squats, curls and bench pressing.


"The one thing that separates Kevin from everybody else is his lifting," Ulmer said. "Speed between them is the same, but Kevin is a bit stronger."

Breen is not alone in his event. There are fellow seniors Ed Fong and Nick Myslinski and junior Tim Munsey. Ulmer admitted it's difficult trying to decide who enters the event each week.