MONDO CHALLENGE 2013
Jake Blankenship broke the meet record at 5.29m and took some decent attempts at a new personal best of 5.41m. Chase continues to progress as he got his first 17' bar of the season. Look for some big jumps from him in February. Tyler Porter had his first meet from 8 lefts and competed in his first meet for the Vols this season. He made a clutch 3rd attempt clearance at 4.99m to stay alive, going on to clear 5.09m on his first attempt. Michael Maira gained some experience and continues to look to break through to more consistent clearances at 4.90+. Lots of work to do for everyone to get where we need to be.
NCAA Outdoor Championships 2012
Des Moines, IA
Chase Brannon; 8th place, 5.40m (17' 8.5"
1st Team All-American
Tim Mack Summer Series Pole Vault
PR for Chase Brannon @ 5.42m. Excellent vaulting for shifting/difficult wind conditions.
SEC OUTDOOR CHAMPIONSHIPS 2012
Baton Rouge, LA @ LSU
Big PR for Chase Brannon on 3rd attempt @ 5.40m.
SEA RAY RELAYS 2012
Tom Black Track
Big PR for Robert Rasnick @ 5.30m.
1st Outdoor 17' vault for Chase Brannon.
Pole Vault Summit
Reno, NV
Joe Berry (unattached): 5.40m
Brad Holtz: 5.25m
Former Vol Brad Holtz and Senior Joe Berry competed unattached. Joe only has outdoor eligibility remaining for the Vols. Joe managed to tie his indoor PR with a solid opener at 5.40m. Brad opened with a 5.25m, taking solid attempts at 5.40.
Joe Berry (unattached): 5.40m
Brad Holtz: 5.25m
Former Vol Brad Holtz and Senior Joe Berry competed unattached. Joe only has outdoor eligibility remaining for the Vols. Joe managed to tie his indoor PR with a solid opener at 5.40m. Brad opened with a 5.25m, taking solid attempts at 5.40.
Auburn Invitational
Birmingham, AL
Chase Brannon: 5.30m
Tyler Porter: 5.20m
Robert Rasnick: 5.20m
Tyler Porter cleared 17' for the first time in his young career, scaling two collegiate bests. Chase Brannon again looked strong, sailing over 17'4, just 2cm below his recent PR. Rasnick got the season going, clearing 17'.
Chase Brannon: 5.30m
Tyler Porter: 5.20m
Robert Rasnick: 5.20m
Tyler Porter cleared 17' for the first time in his young career, scaling two collegiate bests. Chase Brannon again looked strong, sailing over 17'4, just 2cm below his recent PR. Rasnick got the season going, clearing 17'.
Kentucky Invitational
Lexington, KY
Chase Brannon: 5.32m PR
Tyler Porter: 5.02m College Best
Robert Rasnick: NH
A great opener for Chase Brannon as he extended his PR by 11 inches right off the bat. After a very strong offseason of training, Chase posted new PR's at 17' and 17'5". Tyler Porter also picked up a collegiate best at 16'5". Rasnick struggled with his take-off but is right on the verge of a huge breakthrough.
Chase Brannon: 5.32m PR
Tyler Porter: 5.02m College Best
Robert Rasnick: NH
A great opener for Chase Brannon as he extended his PR by 11 inches right off the bat. After a very strong offseason of training, Chase posted new PR's at 17' and 17'5". Tyler Porter also picked up a collegiate best at 16'5". Rasnick struggled with his take-off but is right on the verge of a huge breakthrough.
Track Awards Banquet 2011
Herb Neff Award: Vol Walk-On - Chase Brannon
• Scored for Tennessee in the pole vault at both the SEC Indoor and Outdoor meets.
• Posted personal-best clearances in seven of 12 meets as a rookie.
• Qualified for the NCAA East Preliminary Round meet as a freshman.
Vol Outdoor Most Improved Athlete - Chase Brannon
• Cleared or matched his outdoor pole vault personal best five times during the 2011 season, raising it to 16-6 ¾.
• Sailed over that height at the SEC Championships to notch a fifth-place finish.
• As the league's highest rookie finisher in that event, he was selected to the SEC All-Freshman Team.
• Scored for Tennessee in the pole vault at both the SEC Indoor and Outdoor meets.
• Posted personal-best clearances in seven of 12 meets as a rookie.
• Qualified for the NCAA East Preliminary Round meet as a freshman.
Vol Outdoor Most Improved Athlete - Chase Brannon
• Cleared or matched his outdoor pole vault personal best five times during the 2011 season, raising it to 16-6 ¾.
• Sailed over that height at the SEC Championships to notch a fifth-place finish.
• As the league's highest rookie finisher in that event, he was selected to the SEC All-Freshman Team.
Vol Indoor Most Improved Athlete - Joe Berry
• After a tough 2010 season and missing the first month of the season while recovering from injury, he bounced back strong in 2011.
• He recorded an indoor personal best clearance of 17-8 ½ to finish second in the pole vault at the New Balance Collegiate Invitational, his first meet of the season, and moved to No. 8 on the school's all-time performers list.
• He went on to claim the SEC title number four of the five he now owns in the vault, sailing over 17-7 ½.
Vol Outdoor Most Valuable Field Athlete - Joe Berry
• Produced a runner-up finish in the pole vault to generate points for Tennessee in Los Angeles in the dual meet vs. UCLA.
• Once again qualified for the NCAA East Preliminary Round meet.
• Captured the fifth SEC pole vault title of his career, winning the outdoor crown with a clearance of 17-8 1/2 on a windy day in Athens, Ga.
• After a tough 2010 season and missing the first month of the season while recovering from injury, he bounced back strong in 2011.
• He recorded an indoor personal best clearance of 17-8 ½ to finish second in the pole vault at the New Balance Collegiate Invitational, his first meet of the season, and moved to No. 8 on the school's all-time performers list.
• He went on to claim the SEC title number four of the five he now owns in the vault, sailing over 17-7 ½.
Vol Outdoor Most Valuable Field Athlete - Joe Berry
• Produced a runner-up finish in the pole vault to generate points for Tennessee in Los Angeles in the dual meet vs. UCLA.
• Once again qualified for the NCAA East Preliminary Round meet.
• Captured the fifth SEC pole vault title of his career, winning the outdoor crown with a clearance of 17-8 1/2 on a windy day in Athens, Ga.
2011 SEC Outdoor Championships
Athens, GA
The vaulters led the big orange at the SEC Outdoor Championships, tallying 14 points behind Joe Berry and Chase Brannon. Joe tied his season best and completed the indoor/outdoor sweep, winning his 5th conference crown and displaying true Tennesse grit. Chase Brannon continued to build on his reputation for stepping up in the big meets, matching his lifetime best yet again at 5.05m, scoring in 5th. We left some big points off the board, as Tyler Porter and Robert Rasnick had a tough day. Rasnick flipped the switch when the meet started, and just blew his poles away, even after going up a pole. Tyler competed aggressively but just never found his timing on the pole.
The vaulters led the big orange at the SEC Outdoor Championships, tallying 14 points behind Joe Berry and Chase Brannon. Joe tied his season best and completed the indoor/outdoor sweep, winning his 5th conference crown and displaying true Tennesse grit. Chase Brannon continued to build on his reputation for stepping up in the big meets, matching his lifetime best yet again at 5.05m, scoring in 5th. We left some big points off the board, as Tyler Porter and Robert Rasnick had a tough day. Rasnick flipped the switch when the meet started, and just blew his poles away, even after going up a pole. Tyler competed aggressively but just never found his timing on the pole.
Practice Highlights 4-20-11
Had to go inside due to an angry thunder storm right on top of the pole vault runway.
Sea Ray Relays
“It takes a little courage, and a little self -- control. And some grim determination, If you want to reach the goal. It takes a deal of striving, and a firm and stern-set chin. No matter what the battle, If you really want to win. There's no easy path to glory, There's no road to fame. Life, however we may view it, Is no simple parlor game; But it's prizes call for fighting, For endurance and for grit; For a rugged disposition and don't know when to quit.”
4-6-11
Joe B: Very solid practice. Run looked stronger out of the back. We must spend time and effort and be committed to improving the lower body mechanics regarding dorsiflexion. Keep trying to incorporate this into all our drills and CW. I think if we can keep the hips up and post better off the final step, this well help you to work the left arm sooner and speed up the hip swing.
Chase: The 9 lefts is getting dialed in. We have to keep it simple. Don't overgrip until we get the timing down. The more you can "complete" the take-off and create elasticity through the shoulders with really high hands and extended arms, the better your balance will be (hips vs. shoulders) moving the pole and staying behind it. This should give you the speed, whip, and position to keep the swing alive and avoid the head toss/flag out that occurs when the pole take-off without you.
Brad H: Same old song and dance. You must be rhythmic and strict during your last three. Cannot make more speed a bad thing. Just looks like the arms are asleep.Hard to tell if this is due to the overstriding or vice/versa. I would like to go back core/breath cue with a big focus continuous/active hands.
Tyer P: Run got better. Just need lots of reps with the pole in you hand. When you drive out of the back with power and control, the tempo of your run allows you to come off the ground nicely. This is what it will take for you to really avoid the left arm block and be able to accelerate through the middle and cover the hands. Just needs to get more consistent and "snap" that plant up early and in front vs. behind the head which stops the momentum.
Maira: Keep working. Things are getting better. The pole plant remains an significant issue. Notice how you drop the left hand down and in front and tilt the body back but not shoulder turn. The left hand starts in a weak position and does not "assist" the acceleration of the pole upward and into the proper position. This is too slow and has an effect on your penultimate mechanics. Keep drilling the left hand "cocked" position and elbow underneath. It must be smooth, quick, and relaxed though. The better this gets, the more likely you will be able to have quicker feet and a proper penultimate and get the hands up earlier to open the shoulders.
Rasnick: Maybe we go back to 4 lefts/7 lefts like 2010. Either way, lots of slide box, walking drills, partner plant drills, etc. Simple keys and mental poise.
Chase: The 9 lefts is getting dialed in. We have to keep it simple. Don't overgrip until we get the timing down. The more you can "complete" the take-off and create elasticity through the shoulders with really high hands and extended arms, the better your balance will be (hips vs. shoulders) moving the pole and staying behind it. This should give you the speed, whip, and position to keep the swing alive and avoid the head toss/flag out that occurs when the pole take-off without you.
Brad H: Same old song and dance. You must be rhythmic and strict during your last three. Cannot make more speed a bad thing. Just looks like the arms are asleep.Hard to tell if this is due to the overstriding or vice/versa. I would like to go back core/breath cue with a big focus continuous/active hands.
Tyer P: Run got better. Just need lots of reps with the pole in you hand. When you drive out of the back with power and control, the tempo of your run allows you to come off the ground nicely. This is what it will take for you to really avoid the left arm block and be able to accelerate through the middle and cover the hands. Just needs to get more consistent and "snap" that plant up early and in front vs. behind the head which stops the momentum.
Maira: Keep working. Things are getting better. The pole plant remains an significant issue. Notice how you drop the left hand down and in front and tilt the body back but not shoulder turn. The left hand starts in a weak position and does not "assist" the acceleration of the pole upward and into the proper position. This is too slow and has an effect on your penultimate mechanics. Keep drilling the left hand "cocked" position and elbow underneath. It must be smooth, quick, and relaxed though. The better this gets, the more likely you will be able to have quicker feet and a proper penultimate and get the hands up earlier to open the shoulders.
Rasnick: Maybe we go back to 4 lefts/7 lefts like 2010. Either way, lots of slide box, walking drills, partner plant drills, etc. Simple keys and mental poise.
PV Practice Highlights 3-5-11
Chase: Run/take-off is improving greatly. Need to keep working on "finishing" the take-off chest/knee drive up and in to create a full stretch to swing from. When you do a hit the correct right take-off, you need to be swinging harder and faster to the top of the pole to get the hips around.
Brad: 9 lefts is bring a lot of speed and engery..now we have to harness it. Got to control posture and drop mechanics at higher speeds now. Get back to Stolle model....left position, move the right. Need to avoid getting back into the mode of diving in low/late and trying to recover mid-jump.
Rasnick: Good number of reps here. Keep being aggressive and trying to hit the chest. Left arm has to be right down the line, not across the body. I think to do this you have to get the tip down sooner, chest forward, and being more active with the hands. All while staying tall.
Maira: I like the ones where you started to open the shoulder a bit. Still sitting and reaching in the run. Need to get the hips tall and cycle the legs down with authority. Left hand and shoulder turn remain rigid and late. Work on this a lot.
As your penultimate, shoulder turn, pole drop, and timing improve, you will see significant improvements in your positions just after take-off.
Joe: Good consistency and great witht he 12'6/13' foot take-offs. I feel that you really need to be pushing aggressively and keeping your hips tall/tucked if you are going to handle the "out step" and not feel like you are sinking.
2011 SEC Indoor Championships
Fayetteville, AR
1st: Joe Berry, Sr.: 5.37m
7th: Robert Rasnick, Jr.: 5.17m SB
8th: Chase Brannon, Fr.: 5.02m PR
nh: Tyler Porter, Fr.
After a tough 2010 campaign, the Tennessee vaulters once again made their presence known in the SEC, with three athletes chipping in points for the Vols. Joe Berry won his 4th SEC title (2 indoor, 2 outdoor) after battling back from an injury-plagued 2010. Joe competed in classic Tennessee style, having no misses until the final bar. Robert Rasnick had some gutsy third attempt clearances to put himself in scoring position while easily clearing a season best, just under 17'. Chase Brannon put up a big clearance at a personal best, as he continues to improve by leaps and bounds. Freshmen Tyler Porter struggled in his first SEC meet, but gained some valuable experience that should help to light a fire for his future.
http://www.govolsxtra.com/news/2011/feb/27/berry-restarts-sec-indoors-pole-vault-streak/
1st: Joe Berry, Sr.: 5.37m
7th: Robert Rasnick, Jr.: 5.17m SB
8th: Chase Brannon, Fr.: 5.02m PR
nh: Tyler Porter, Fr.
After a tough 2010 campaign, the Tennessee vaulters once again made their presence known in the SEC, with three athletes chipping in points for the Vols. Joe Berry won his 4th SEC title (2 indoor, 2 outdoor) after battling back from an injury-plagued 2010. Joe competed in classic Tennessee style, having no misses until the final bar. Robert Rasnick had some gutsy third attempt clearances to put himself in scoring position while easily clearing a season best, just under 17'. Chase Brannon put up a big clearance at a personal best, as he continues to improve by leaps and bounds. Freshmen Tyler Porter struggled in his first SEC meet, but gained some valuable experience that should help to light a fire for his future.
http://www.govolsxtra.com/news/2011/feb/27/berry-restarts-sec-indoors-pole-vault-streak/
NEW BALANCE COLLEGIATE INVITATIONAL
PV Practice highlights 1-26-11
Friday Workout:
1. CW
2. Partner Pick Off Drills: 10 x each man. Focus on jumping up with the pole, full extension and square through shoulders, no blocking, be aggressive.
3. Walking/jogging drop & plant series ~ 15 minutes
4. Leg Loader: 7 times pole run simulation with pole drop: hips high, good core
5. Hurdle Mobility
6. Light medicine ball: 3 steps x 10, overheads x 10
7. Flexibility/injury tx
Saturday: light swim, flexibility, ice baths
HOKIE INVITATIONAL
Blacksburg, VA
5th - Brad Holtz - 5.07m
8th - Tyler Porter - 4.92m Indoor PR
9th - Joe Berry - 4.92m
10th - Chase Brannon - 4.92m PR
NH - Robert Rasnick
5th - Brad Holtz - 5.07m
8th - Tyler Porter - 4.92m Indoor PR
9th - Joe Berry - 4.92m
10th - Chase Brannon - 4.92m PR
NH - Robert Rasnick
Kentucky Invitational 1-15-11
The guys got the season underway with our traditional first meet at Kentucky as two fresman donned the orange for the first time. Redshirt fresman Chase Brannon saw his personal best improve twice, as he negotiated 4.60m and 4.75m on his first attempts. Joe Berry (unattached)continued his comeback and Robert Rasnick showed flashes of his potential. Tyler Porter got his first meet out of the way and continues to dial in his longer run. Brad Holtz competed from a short run and was the highest finisher of the group. We will travel to an always competitive Virginia Tech meet next week, with expectations of bigger jumps and more consistency.
Results:
2. Brad Holtz - - 5.05m (unattached)
5. Robert Rasnick - 4.90m
8. Chase Brannon - 4.75 PR
8. Joe Berry - 4.75m (unattached)
10. Tyler Porter - 4.60m
Kevin Carney - NH
Results:
2. Brad Holtz - - 5.05m (unattached)
5. Robert Rasnick - 4.90m
8. Chase Brannon - 4.75 PR
8. Joe Berry - 4.75m (unattached)
10. Tyler Porter - 4.60m
Kevin Carney - NH
Christmas Training
Make sure you make a strong effort to train hard over the break. Enjory your family and friends, but be smart with your decisions. Do not jeopardize all these hards months of training.
TRAINING FOCUS:
Mental/Visualization/Video - Dream big...get your mind and spirit ready for a great indoor season...expect to have big PR's and bring some excitement!
Running workouts - get them in, rain/shine/or snow
Lifting - per Romain's packet
Pole Runs - work on your longer run rhythm - strong push, good carry, good drop, dyamic jump...landing on right leg. Work on continuity and rhythm...confidence/trust
Core Strengthening - you all need, so hit it hard, especially Tyler P. Do the gymnastics workouts (core section) and whatever elso you can do in the living room floor
Hurdle Mobility - really focus on pelvic tilt/posture, and perfect mechanics
TRAINING FOCUS:
Mental/Visualization/Video - Dream big...get your mind and spirit ready for a great indoor season...expect to have big PR's and bring some excitement!
Running workouts - get them in, rain/shine/or snow
Lifting - per Romain's packet
Pole Runs - work on your longer run rhythm - strong push, good carry, good drop, dyamic jump...landing on right leg. Work on continuity and rhythm...confidence/trust
Core Strengthening - you all need, so hit it hard, especially Tyler P. Do the gymnastics workouts (core section) and whatever elso you can do in the living room floor
Hurdle Mobility - really focus on pelvic tilt/posture, and perfect mechanics
PRACTICE 11-3-10
On the penultimate stride, the foot must land slightly ahead of the hips to aid in the lowering of the COM. A loud foot slap at landing here indicates that some braking has occurred. This is often caused by leaning forward during the run. The tibia should be vertical at touchdown and the heel kick of the takeoff leg should be kept low.
On the takeoff step, it is again critical that the ankle be pre-tensioned and locked at 90 degrees with the foot landing slightly in front of the COM with the body erect. The start of the body rise should be after the COM has passed the board. Maximum body speed must be maintained.
10-27-10
Brad: still notice your left leg not fully extending the entire run,
still getting very long on 1L. We don't need to give up on this.
Raz: still need to change the angle up some at take-off......chest/hips move up a bit more off the last step. We need to challege bigger poles to see what holds up under pressure.
Chase: keep working on elastic/aggressive stretch and staying behind the pole, then the whip swing and fluidity will come
Michael: gotta learn to run on the runway like the leg loader platform.....then finish it. We will spend next practice also working on "moving the arms" to keep the top of the pole in motion and not get "swept"
Vault 10-20-10
Maira: Things look better at times but we have to put it all together
1. Gotta push more aggressively (less bounding/back kicking)
2. Pole drop/tip height must improve.....tip up, left hand under, relaxed/tall posture..finish the run like you mean it
3. Jump up tall/tight and aggressive....even when the arms are up well, you are too far under and slowing down to come off clean.
Kevin: Run, drop, plant are really much improved this year when
1. Plant, stretch, aggressiveness broke down when you tried to swing
2. Must learn to get head up, open chest....stretch then swing up through the shoulders
3. Need lots of rope, rings, high bar @ gymnastics
Rasnick: Much better aggressiveness....more consistent
1. Be careful not to float the pole up, you are under it well so keep accelerating it up. Sometimes you are so relaxed, you seem to get hit and caught with "dead" arms
2. Cont. to work on aggressive move off the ground...no hanging
3. We need to work in the knee drive thing.....not casting heel forward.
Brad: legs looked a little flat
1. Don't give up on penultimate.
2. Arms still not finishing extension, this seems worse when you get long on 1L
3. Hip tuck, emphasize posture and penultimate step rhythm change, and new drop mechanics
VAULT PRACTICE - 10-13
THINGS TO WATCH:
1. BODY POSTURE
2. TIP POSITION @ 2L, 1R
3. RIGHT HAND POSITION @ 2L, 1R
4. IS MY HIP OVER MY FOOT AT TAKE-OFF
5. ARE MY ARMS ELASTIC? ALLOWING THE LATS TO STRETCH (LEFT BICEP BY LEFT CHEEK)
6. AM I BEING AGGRESSIVE COMING INTO THE PLANT?
7. HOW ARE MY RUNNING MECHANICS?
8. DOES MY PENULT. HAVE GOOD RHYTHM?
Plant and Penultimate Drills 9-29-10
Good Things:
1. Overall we are getting the timing down much better generally.
2. Most people seem to be getting the pole tip at eye level on the second to last left (aka 2L)
3. Rhythm and low heel recovery on the final step is improving.
Weak Areas:
1. Not controlling the drop with the right hand in addition to pressing the pole/arms complex forward.... Missing the "cocked" position on 2L.
2. Reaching & Toe pointing: Make this a focus on all that you do! Sprinting, Hill running, Intervals, Hurdle mobility, Med Balls, etc. IT TAKES REPETITION!
3. Full ROM through hips/knees.....while keeping hips tucked.
Isinbayeva: Sand pit drills: go to this page then scroll down to the "sand pit penetration" video link. Do not too get caught up the article.... although some of this is awesome, some is slightly different than our model.
http://www.usapolevaulting.org/articles/anewmodelandapproachtoviewingpolevaulttechnique.pdf
Make sure to click on higher resolution button @ 480p. The file was way too big in high def so I had to shrink it.
Areas to focus on when watching:
1. Am I controlling the pole tip drop with my right hand or is the hand staying on the hip then pushing forward....pulling me on my toes, out of posture, and forced reaching?
2. Body posture !
3. Is the tip at eye level on my 2nd to last left.
4. Are my running mechanics solid: heel through butt, toe flexed up, full knee motion, and vertical downstriking (no reaching)
5. At TAKE-OFF...am I extending up through the hands through a solid "line" of extension through hips and shoulders?
Areas to focus on when watching:
1. Am I controlling the pole tip drop with my right hand or is the hand staying on the hip then pushing forward....pulling me on my toes, out of posture, and forced reaching?
2. Body posture !
3. Is the tip at eye level on my 2nd to last left.
4. Are my running mechanics solid: heel through butt, toe flexed up, full knee motion, and vertical downstriking (no reaching)
5. At TAKE-OFF...am I extending up through the hands through a solid "line" of extension through hips and shoulders?
2010-2011 TRAINING BEGINS
The Tennessee pole vaulting squad returns 3 athletes this year and adds two new ones. Joe Berry will lead the charge as he makes his return from a red-shirt season and foot surgery. Robert Rasnick will hope to build off his strong finish to 2010 which included a trip to the NCAA finals. Chase Brannon looks to have a bright future for the Vols after learning the ropes and making some big improvements during a redshirt season. The Vols welcome Michael Maira and Tyler Porter. Porter won the 2009 & 2010 Georgia state championships, setting an all class record along the way at 16' 7.75". Maira comes to the Vols from New Jersey where he was a three time state champion. Bradley Holtz will continue to train and provide valuable leadership to the young pups. Tim Mack is also in Knoxville training hard and coaching some local vaulters.
2010 NCAA OUTDOOR CHAMPIONSHIPS
Eugene, OR
18th: Robert Rasnick - 5m
NH: Brad Holtz
The NCAA championship pole vault was marred with several unfortunate circumstances. The warm-ups and first few bars were run into a headwind with light rain coming and going at times. Then the officials forgot to actually raise the bar to 5.15m but allowed all the vaulters to have their attempts at what was still actually 5m. Then they decided to erase all of those jumps and start over, re-introducing several vaulters who were out and eliminating several vaulters who had "cleared". All and all, it was an embarassment for the sport and the NCAA. I feel terrible for the athletes who had to finish their career in such an idiotic fashion. The Tennessee vaulters did not bring their "A" game to this meet but gained valuable experience and learned lessons that should serve us in the future.
NH: Brad Holtz
The NCAA championship pole vault was marred with several unfortunate circumstances. The warm-ups and first few bars were run into a headwind with light rain coming and going at times. Then the officials forgot to actually raise the bar to 5.15m but allowed all the vaulters to have their attempts at what was still actually 5m. Then they decided to erase all of those jumps and start over, re-introducing several vaulters who were out and eliminating several vaulters who had "cleared". All and all, it was an embarassment for the sport and the NCAA. I feel terrible for the athletes who had to finish their career in such an idiotic fashion. The Tennessee vaulters did not bring their "A" game to this meet but gained valuable experience and learned lessons that should serve us in the future.
NCAA PRELIMINARY
Greensboro, NC
Robert Rasnick: 5.25m, 17' 2.5" PR
Brad Holtz: 5.25m, 17' 2.5" Ties outdoor PR.
With the season on the line, both vaulters stepped up big to advance to the NCAA Finals. Robert Rasnick posted a lifetime best on his first attempt, while Bradley cleared on his second attempt. The competition did not continue after only 12 remained, so both guys stopped after 5.25m. Both vaulters will travel to Eugene, OR and compete on June 10th for the NCAA championship. This is the first time since 1996 that UT has taken two vaulters to the NCAA. The last duo to attend the NCAA's together was Lawrence Johnson (19' 8") and Dan Monaghan (17'6") both traveling to Eugene as well. The Vols had a great day that meet as LoJo set the NCAA meet record at 19'1". This will be Brad's final collegiate meet for the Vols and he is trying to finish his career bith a big BANG.
Robert Rasnick: 5.25m, 17' 2.5" PR
Brad Holtz: 5.25m, 17' 2.5" Ties outdoor PR.
With the season on the line, both vaulters stepped up big to advance to the NCAA Finals. Robert Rasnick posted a lifetime best on his first attempt, while Bradley cleared on his second attempt. The competition did not continue after only 12 remained, so both guys stopped after 5.25m. Both vaulters will travel to Eugene, OR and compete on June 10th for the NCAA championship. This is the first time since 1996 that UT has taken two vaulters to the NCAA. The last duo to attend the NCAA's together was Lawrence Johnson (19' 8") and Dan Monaghan (17'6") both traveling to Eugene as well. The Vols had a great day that meet as LoJo set the NCAA meet record at 19'1". This will be Brad's final collegiate meet for the Vols and he is trying to finish his career bith a big BANG.
SEC OUTDOOR CHAMPIONSHIPS
It was a rough day for the Volunteers. In spite of great warm-ups, the delays and conditions got the best of the UT contigent of Brad Holtz and Robert Rasnick. Both vaulters failed at their opening heights. We will regroup for the NCAA regionals with plans to advance to the NCAA Finals.
SEA RAY RELAYS
6th: Brad Holtz: 5.15m, 16' 10.5"
NH: Robert Rasnick
Chase Brannon (Open Section): 14' 7"
Brad managed 5.15m in the invite today and moved through some of his biggest poles before facing a couple of tough headwinds at 5.25m. Robert Rasnick continued to struggle with run throughs in the warm-ups and suffered a no height. Chase Brannon cleared 14'7" in the open section and blew through all his poles at 15'1" but looks ready to make huge strides in the near future. 
FLORIDA RELAYS
4th: Brad Holtz: 5.25m, 17' 2.5" - Outdoor PR
12: Robert Rasnick: 5.05, 16' 6.5"
Brad Holtz opened up his first meet competing for Tennessee this season with an outdoor PR of 4 inches. He continues to build on his indoor momentum. Robert Rasnick struggled on the runway but managed to clear 5.05m before exiting at 5.15. 
VIRGINIA TECH LAST CHANCE - 2010
Blacksburg, Virginia
4th: Brad Holtz (unattached): 5.38m, 17' 7.75" Personal Best
6th: Robert Rasnick: 5.22m, 17' 1.75" Personal Best
8th: Joeseph Berry: 5.22m, 17' 1.75" Seasonal Best
Brad Holtz highlighted the day with a smooth first attempt clearance at 5.38m. He does not have indoor eligibility but should make a huge impact on the squad as he has outdoor eligibility remaining. Joe struggled early but rallied to clear 5.22 on his 3rd attempt before taking 2 good attempts at a NCAA qualifier 5.38m. Rasnick, still vaulting at seven lefts, cleared a lifetime best of 5.22m. He also took some good shots at 5.38m. Although we failed in our mission to get someone to the NCAA's, this meet appears to be a very positive springboard for the outdoor season. Three guys, who look like they have another 6-10 inches in their vaulting in the near future. We will take a few days off, return to some base training, and re-visit some technical work as we move toward the Florida Relays.
4th: Brad Holtz (unattached): 5.38m, 17' 7.75" Personal Best
6th: Robert Rasnick: 5.22m, 17' 1.75" Personal Best
8th: Joeseph Berry: 5.22m, 17' 1.75" Seasonal Best
Brad Holtz highlighted the day with a smooth first attempt clearance at 5.38m. He does not have indoor eligibility but should make a huge impact on the squad as he has outdoor eligibility remaining. Joe struggled early but rallied to clear 5.22 on his 3rd attempt before taking 2 good attempts at a NCAA qualifier 5.38m. Rasnick, still vaulting at seven lefts, cleared a lifetime best of 5.22m. He also took some good shots at 5.38m. Although we failed in our mission to get someone to the NCAA's, this meet appears to be a very positive springboard for the outdoor season. Three guys, who look like they have another 6-10 inches in their vaulting in the near future. We will take a few days off, return to some base training, and re-visit some technical work as we move toward the Florida Relays.
SEC INDOOR CHAMPIONSHIPS - 2010
University of Arkansas
6th: Robert Rasnick: 5.15m, 16' 10.5"
8th: Joeseph Berry: 5.00m, 16' 4.5"
The Vols pole vaulters had a difficult day at the SEC's. Joe Berry had excellent warm-ups but was not able to carry that momentum into the meet. He struggled with standard placement and had some inconsistencies in his run. Rasnick also had some difficulties with his run, but managed to battle back for a big 3rd attempt clearance at 5.15m. This ends the Tennessee streak of 8 consecutive SEC pole vault championships. Although we were all disappointed in the results, the guys have the time and the talent to rally back this year. The guys will travel to a last chance meet next weekend.
6th: Robert Rasnick: 5.15m, 16' 10.5"
8th: Joeseph Berry: 5.00m, 16' 4.5"
The Vols pole vaulters had a difficult day at the SEC's. Joe Berry had excellent warm-ups but was not able to carry that momentum into the meet. He struggled with standard placement and had some inconsistencies in his run. Rasnick also had some difficulties with his run, but managed to battle back for a big 3rd attempt clearance at 5.15m. This ends the Tennessee streak of 8 consecutive SEC pole vault championships. Although we were all disappointed in the results, the guys have the time and the talent to rally back this year. The guys will travel to a last chance meet next weekend.
Tim Mack - Former Vol wins 2010 USA Indoor Championships
Former Vol Tim Mack, still vaulting at age 37, won the USATF indoor championships Saturday afternoon. He vaulted a season best 5.70m (18' 8.5") to take the win. Lools like Tim will be making the trip to the Persian Gulf to visit Doha, Qatar. This is the site for the 2010 World Indoor championships. He and Derek Miles finished 1-2 at the USA indoors.
UT POLE VAULT - HIGHLIGHT TRAILER
Having music difficulties....Please go to direct link on Viddler:
http://www.viddler.com/explore/tennpolevault/videos/8
http://www.viddler.com/explore/tennpolevault/videos/8
Virginia Tech #2
Blacksburg, VA
Brad Holtz: 5.21m - 17' 1" (unattached)
Joe Berry: 5.05m - 16' 6"
Robert Rasnick - NH
A mixed bag of results here. All three vaulters appear to be on the upswing, but the results didn't really come to fruition here. Brad Holtz (competing sick) completed his third consecutive meet over 17', showing the most confidence and consistency of his career. He continues to tweak things as he prepares to complete his final season of outdoor eligbility for the Vols. Joe Berry continues to show signs of big things to come if he can clean up his take-off and and be more efficient on bigger poles. Robert Rasnick appeared to regain his confidence in Virginia and the sky is the limit for him when things all come together. Joe and Brad will now prepare for a very deep competition at the SEC. We hope to bring home another crown to Big Orange Country and to provide much needed points to the men's team.
Brad Holtz: 5.21m - 17' 1" (unattached)
Joe Berry: 5.05m - 16' 6"
Robert Rasnick - NH
A mixed bag of results here. All three vaulters appear to be on the upswing, but the results didn't really come to fruition here. Brad Holtz (competing sick) completed his third consecutive meet over 17', showing the most confidence and consistency of his career. He continues to tweak things as he prepares to complete his final season of outdoor eligbility for the Vols. Joe Berry continues to show signs of big things to come if he can clean up his take-off and and be more efficient on bigger poles. Robert Rasnick appeared to regain his confidence in Virginia and the sky is the limit for him when things all come together. Joe and Brad will now prepare for a very deep competition at the SEC. We hope to bring home another crown to Big Orange Country and to provide much needed points to the men's team.
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