Rice Clincs, Houston, TX

[rainbowgirl28]

There's a weird pole vault cartoon with this article if you click the link.


http://www.houstonpress.com/issues/2004 ... ports.html

Get the Shaft
Pole-vaulting classes at Rice U will lift your spirits


"First you have to be a sprinter, then you turn into a gymnast, then a weight lifter," says coach David Butler. As he's explaining the mechanics of pole-vaulting, a gazelle-like young collegian races down the track, plants her pole and launches herself gracefully over a suspended bungee before landing neatly in a cushioned blue mat. "Longer pole!" Butler yells. This is a compliment. The better the pole-vaulter, the longer the pole. And Coach Butler knows what he's talking about: After coaching a national champion at Memorial High School, he was invited to coach Rice's team, and now he's recognized as one of the nation's experts on the sport. Three nights a week, he offers his wisdom at open clinics.

Butler notes that he's even taught senior citizens how to vault. His only restriction? "I don't take any daredevils," he says. Pole-vaulting is a deliberate, difficult sport, and people who think they can just fling themselves on their first go are liable to crash, freak out or end up with a pipe in the wrong place. Butler starts neophytes with a series of 100 drills and a two-foot pole, but you can begin working toward the longer poles at 5 p.m. Mondays, Thursdays and Saturdays. Rice University Track Stadium, entrance No. 6 (off Main). For information, call 713-417-1274 or e-mail stavhop@houston.rr.com. $30. -- Julia Ramey