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http://www.sj-r.com/breaking/x208424808 ... er-injured

Pole-vaulter injured

THE STATE JOURNAL-REGISTER
Posted May 16, 2010 @ 08:39 AM
A Grinnel College pole-vaulter was in critical condition at Memorial Medical Center on Saturday after an accident during a Midwest Conference outdoor track and field championship held Friday at Illinois College.

Rob Yin remained in critical condition, according to hospital staff.

Peggy Brooks, assistant cross country coach for Illinois College, said the Grinnel athlete grazed the mat and landed on his back before hitting his head.

“When he was vaulting he went up, didn’t go up the pole well and went off to the side,” she said. “Instead of landing on the mat he kind of slid, grazed the mat and landed on his back.”

She said weather and wind were not factors.

“He just went up and went past the bar, and went to the side and missed the mat,” she said. “Our thoughts go out to the coaches, to the team.”

http://www.grinnell.edu/athletics/mtrack/roster/yin

Player/Coach Type:
Player

Class Year: 2012
Hometown: Rockville, Md.
High School: Thomas Sprigg Wootton

http://weai.com/news/1320-pole-vaulter- ... spitalized

Pole vaulter remains hospitalized
Saturday, 15 May 2010 09:44 | Written by Nick Jakusz |
A track and field athlete competing at IC yesterday remains in critical condition this afternoon at Memorial Medical Center in Springfield.

Grinnell College pole vaulter Rob Yin of Rockville, Maryland reportedly suffered a head injury while competing at the Midwest Conference Track and Field Championships.

Paramedics responded to a call at IC’s football field around 3:15 p.m. yesterday to initial reports indicating the jumper missed the padded pit while descending from a jump.

The meet is expected to wrap up today.

Here are his stats, it looks like he just started vaulting this year, and has a best of 11'. I am guessing he was attempting 10'6 at the time of the accident.

http://www.athletic.net/TrackAndField/A ... AID=710470

http://www.grinnell.edu/news/features/robert-yin-12

Dear Members of the Grinnell College Community:

It is with enormous sadness that we announce the death of Robert Yin '12, in Springfield, Illinois surrounded by his family and with Houston Dougharty, Vice-President for Student Affairs, and Deanna Shorb, Dean for Religious Life and Chaplain. This tragedy is a moment to reflect on the great wonder of life and in particular of Robert's. We observed a wonderful family come together to be with him at this time. They are grateful to his Grinnell friends and his wider circle of family and friends who supported them and gave them their love and support.

Robert fell during a pole vault jump on Friday at the conference meet at Illinois College in Jacksonville, Ill. He sustained severe injuries and had been hospitalized in critical condition in a Springfield, Ill., hospital where family, friends, and Grinnell staff and teammates had gathered. Robert's family notified the college this afternoon of his passing.

Robert became an instant friend of DC Posse members, many of whom lived near his home of Rockville, Md., and considered him an honorary Posse member. A music major, he was an active member of the G-Tones. Robert participated on the men's track and field team, was an employee of the training room, and frequent Frisbee player.

A tragic event like this touches all members of the campus community, and we encourage people to find the support needed. Walk-in counseling is available weekdays between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. in the Health Center. Members of the staff from Student Affairs (641-269-3700) and CRSSJ (641-269-4981) are available for support and consultation. Counseling is also available at Poweshiek County Mental Health Center by calling 641-236-6137 for appointments or for the on call counselor evenings and weekends. Your RLCs are always available for support also.

Robert's family is in the midst of making celebration of life arrangements. They have been overwhelmed by the outpouring of support from the Grinnell community. Messages for the family can be left on Robert's Facebook page (profile name: Robert Cellermus Giger, or search for his email: yinrober@grinnell.edu). Cards for the family may be left at Student Affairs, JRC 310.

Due to the close of the academic year, it is likely that a campus memorial service will be held next fall when students return to campus. Updates about these services will be sent via email to the campus community. Tomorrow night, Chaplain Deanna Shorb will gather members of our community once again.

We encourage you to reach out to one another at this difficult time and to continue to share condolences and show support for Robert's family and friends. You may also find it helpful to be in touch with your loved ones off campus; they can be of great support.

Our thoughts are with you.

Sincerely,

Russell K. Osgood and Houston Dougharty

Looking at the google maps images of Illinois College, I am guessing that the pole vault was set up in area past the end zone, both of which are completely covered with track surface.

Hey

Unbelievably sad… tragedy

The surface was covered but was asphalt or concrete underneath.

I know the pits are “legal” size but we need to take a long hard look at the “border" areas and what can be done to make the vault safer..

My heart goes out to the family, the coach, the team and all involved…

dj

Where did you get the details that the surrounding area was covered?

hey

i was told it was covered with track surface where he landed.. on the side behind the standard..

i wasn't there.. just second hand info..

dj

It sounds like a good reminder that hard surfaces around the pit need to be covered with padding when possible. The rubber track surface is a little better than hard concrete, but not much.


Some tributes:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fPNzLaU1Bwg
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aH80y-Lf89Q
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jyHxtdKdPV8

THE STATE JOURNAL-REGISTER
Posted May 16, 2010 @ 08:39 AM
... the Grinnel athlete grazed the mat and landed on his back before hitting his head.

This is just sad. I feel for his family. And yet another incident where a helmet likely would have helped minimize the trauma.