Brad Gebauer MSU Athlete of the Week

[rainbowgirl28]

http://msuspartans.collegesports.com/ge ... 05aab.html

Brad Gebauer took first place in the pole vault at the Big Ten Indoor Championship.

Brad Gebauer has enjoyed consistent success in the pole vault for MSU. Most recently, Gebauer won the 2004 Big Ten outdoor title in the pole vault. He finished in first place with a 5.20-meter performance, giving his team 10 points.

Gebauer competes in the Alex Wilson Invitational in Norte Dame, Ind., March 4 and 5.

Name: Brad Gebauer
Sport: Track
Hometown: Bad Axe, Mich.
High School: Bad Axe
Event: Pole Vault
Class: Junior
Major: Kinesiology
How did you get started in the pole vault? My dad used to do it when he was in high school and he ended up teaching my older brother how to pole vault. I always looked up to him and wanted to be like him, so when he was vaulting in high school, I got started in junior high. I picked it up pretty quickly and it stuck with me since.
Who has the biggest influence on you? I would have to say my older brother. Like I said before, I have always looked up to him and I ask him for advice, if there is a problem or if I have a big decision to make about something.
What is one thing most people don't know about the pole vault? Most people dont know that we carry many poles to track meets. Each individual person carries a series of around 5-7 different poles. A lot of people don't understand the concept of using longer poles, or stiffer poles at any given time.
If you competed in any other sport besides track and field, what would you compete in? I would definitely say football. I played it through junior high and high school. I do miss it a lot. I would love to go back and take a snap under center again!
If you could eat dinner with anyone, dead or alive, who would you pick? Sergey Bubka, he is the world record holder in the pole vault and then only man to ever vault over 20 feet (20' 2 ¼").
What are your plans for spring break? Hopefully I will be in Arkansas, competing in the NCAA Indoor Track and Field championships!