PoleVaultPower.com

June ninth and tenth the second annual masters decathlon will be held in Hoover, Alabama, which is near Birmingham. I would like to encourage as many females as possible to enter. Last year Rita Hanscom and I participated in the first official women’s masters decathlon in Seattle, Washington. Both of us feel it was the most rewarding track and field experience we have had, as well as the most challenging. Don’t be daunted by lack of experience: all of the officials and competitors are very helpful and encouraging. And don’t be discouraged if you haven’t done all of the events before. I did most of them for the first time last year and didn’t train at all for a couple (the 400 and 1500, which are against my religion.) I was pretty awful in the throws, but came away with a great appreciation for those events and what they entail. In fact, my new favorite event is the shot put, which shows that one needn’t be good at something to enjoy it. I feel this is really what masters track and field is all about.

I think most are intimidated by the pole vault So, I am going to direct this to the vaulters that I know--and each and every one of them is an awesome athlete. I know you can do the decathlon and do it well: Pam Swan, Kay Glenn, Sue Di Marco (whom I saw easily clear 10 feet with little or no practice at age 40), Phil Raschker, Cheryl Meissner, Dorothy Vander Cruyssen, Kathy Yager, Karen Reiger, Donna Schutlz, Hillen Van Maltzhahn. I know there are many other talented athletes out there who would enjoy this challenge and the experience.

In addition, the decathlon is now an IAAF and USATF sanctioned event. It would be awesome if we masters could show what the “maturingâ€Â