Vaulting Tough When It Counts

Valcin Wins Regional Championship & Looks Ahead to Nationals

In what his coach described as tough conditions, Rick Valcin emerged from the Region VI / Jayhawk Conference Championships as the last man standing. After placing second in this meet in 2010 and 2nd at the conference indoor championships in February, his competitive nature delivered him to the top of the May 5th meet, which he described as a "dream come true. A reality check."

"In warm ups I felt good. I warmed up on a pole I have never warmed up on. So that built my confidence some more. The meet started at 9' so I had a long wait at my opening height of 4.69m my first attempt I blew through my warm up pole 16' 170, 19.9 flex. My 2nd attempt I blew the biggest pole I've jumped on this year 16' 180 19.2 flex, I was getting nervous after my 2nd attempt knowing that I had to move up a pole I had never vaulted on, which is a 16' 185 18.3 flex. However, I just stayed focused for my final attempt. When it was my turn I took a deep breath and stepped on the runway knowing that there was no room for error."

After making his strategic adjustments, he went on to clear his opening height on his 3rd and final attempt. With a sense of relief he thought, "I'm ok now. I made my opening height". He was officially in the meet and could now focus on bigger goals.

"With 5 guys at the next bar at 4.79, everybody missed their 1st & 2nd attempts, I was the last jumper in the rotation.  After seeing my teammates go out at that height and (realizing) I was the last competitor left, I knew I had to make that height." Valcin went on to clear that bar, securing the victory and a regional championship.

However, his day was not finished. "I passed to 5.06m to set a meet record, school record and personal best. I had a one good attempt at 5.06."  

After hitting that 5.06 bar on the way down and with a number of jumps well above that height in training this season, Valcin now has his sights confidently set on the NJCAA Championships in South Plains, Texas which takes place May 15-17.  Entering the meet ranked in the top 5 in the nation, Valcin feels he is hitting is peak at that right time of the season to make an impact for his team. 

You can follow Rick's Blog at rpvvault.blogspot.com

or on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Rick-Valcin/139912926089096

Day 3/Camp Recap

After two full days of hard work and training, day three brought our coaches and athletes back for a few short sessions on inversion and clearance followed by plenty of practice time taking vaults on the runway. At lunch, the coaches discussed strategies for developing the program over the next 9-12 months. Some of these ideas included continued group sessions, further camps, more in-depth sessions on specific phases, training at local facilities, and equipment needs. The afternoon brought everyone together for a very light-hearted competition with our athletes, young and not so young.

This camp proved to be extremely valuable to the progress of the program and met its goals of introducing the coaches to the technical phases and training methods. This was the first step of many to come for the grassroots development of the sport in St. Lucia, and maybe the Caribbean. A special thanks goes out to the Ministry of Youth and Sports, the St. Lucia Athletics Association, DVD Now, our facilitators, Lily Bertz (Peace Corps) Rick Valcin, and Shem Edward, the school coaches and teachers, and the athletes who participated with great spirits and effort!

Day 2 Recap

After coming back a little sore, but in great spirits, the athletes and coaches picked up right where they left off on Monday. After a video session to start the day, we continued with a practical review of pole carry, approach, plant, and takeoff. In the afternoon we developed measured approaches and worked on swinging up. At the end of the session, we finished at the pit. With rain threatening, one of our new vaulters finished a great vault over a bungee to cheers from the group!

With still one more great day to come, eager discussions about the next camp and training are already coming up. The enthusiasm of the co-facilitators, coaches, and athletes has been amazing. With a day of hard work, skills development, and plenty of laughs, we are finding the essence of training for the Pole Vault!

Day 1 Recap

With representation of coaches and/or athletes from Ciceron, Choiseul, Micoud, Grand Riviere, and Rockets Athletics Club, a great first day of training was had at the G.O.S. the 14 participants focused on learning the basics of holding, carrying, and planting the pole on their way to taking off into the pit at the end of the day.

Day 2 & 3:

We expect more of the same great experiences in learning with a focus on the latter parts of the vault, theory on poles, and planning for implementation into the local schools throughout the next few months into the school year.

Pole Vault Clinic Set For Monday

A total of 14 secondary schools will be represented at a three-day Pole Vault Clinic being run from Monday 13 July at the George Odlum Stadium.

Teachers and students from Anse Ger, Babonneau, Bocage, Castries Comprehensive, Choiseul, Ciceron, Clendon Mason Memorial, Corinth, Grand Riviere, Gros Islet, Micoud, Piaye, Sir Ira Simmons and Vieux-Fort Campus B will be working with Pole Vault coach Andy Behl, CARIFTA champion Shem Edward and CARIFTA silver medallist Rick Valcin.

The clinic, which runs from 9am to 4:30pm Monday to Wednesday, will introduce participants to the basics of vaulting, and teach coaches and athletes how to train for the event safely and effectively. Equipment and materials will be provided for training through the summer months, and participants will discuss preparation for the 2010 athletics season.

With the popularity of Pole Vault growing in St Lucia, a second clinic will be held after this one. Aside from success at CARIFTA, 2009 has already seen the introduction of the event at all national athletics meets, with women's Pole Vault being contested for the first time a few weeks ago at the National Individual Championships.

Interested persons can look for Pole Vault St Lucia on Facebook.