Gaither, Wharton to host county’s first ‘Pole Vault Summit’

Posted Feb 23, 2010 by Bill Ward

Updated Feb 23, 2010 at 07:10 PM

Hillsborough County’s public schools athletic department might be out of the pole vault business, but that isn’t stopping the two programs that have produced the most stars in the event from hosting the first “Pole Vault Summit” this season.

Prompted by the lack of the event at the county’s first manadory meet, the Nash Higgins Relays at Leto on March 6, the coaching staff at Wharton decided to hold the summit with the help of the staff and facilities at Gaither. The summit will be held March 4 starting at 5 p.m. and will be open to all schools in Hillsborough County.

At the start of the 2009 season, county Athletic Direrctor Lanness Robinson announced that budget constraints had forced the end of funding for the pole vault, whose equipment is among the most expensive in track and field. Still, the county has produced numerous vault stars, particularly at Wharton and Gaither.

Among them are former University of Florida stars Natalie Moser (Wharton) and Dara Altman (Gaither). And last season, Gaither produced 4A state champion Morgan Scherschel while Wharton boasted 3A champion London Enos, who is back to defend her title as a senior.

A few rules for the Summit

*Athletes must be accompanied by their vault coach.

* Entries must bring their own poles and be weight legal on those poles.

* The starting height for girls will ne 6-6 and the boys 8 feet.

* Athletes must compete in uniform and by all national and state rules.

* All athletes must be entered by their coach to participate

For more information, or to enter, contact Wharton coach Wes Newton by e-mail at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

Photo: Wharton’s London Enos was the Class 3A state champion last spring in the girls pole vault. Photo by Bill Ward.