Like Becca, I've had several coaches, and they've all been pretty cool:
Joe Iatauro was my high school coach at Tri-Valley in upstate New York, and never vaulted himself, but researched the event immensely and was extremely supportive of going to clinics, camps, and lots of extra meets.
Clay Gorton also helped coach me in high school. He was our school and district record holder at 15'1 which I believe still stands from 1987. He himself read everything he could, talked to everyone in the know, and went to as many camps and clinics possible to learn the vault.
Peter McGinnis was my college coach at Cortland State, and was a solid 15' vaulter for Swarthmore in the 70's. Peter is much more well known however for all the biomechanical info. he has contributed to this sport over the past 15+ years. He continues to analye and support many of the top elite vaulters in the country today.
Don Hood and his son Don D. Hood have also helped me a lot along the way, both in high school and college. Attending their camps fired me up to pole vault and gave me a textbook plant. Their name carries their reputation.
Brian Elmore was my first post-collegiate coach in Austin, TX. Brian has produced several state champs, AAU and USATF national youth champs, NAIA champs, and is also one of the best damn officials in the sport. Check his profile out at
www.lonestarpv.com
Doug "Bubba" Sparks was the last coach I had and taught me some really innovative concepts about the vault. I learned as much from Bubba as anyone, and his resume included 2 national NAIA championships and an 18' jump in 1977, not to mention he coached Borya Celentano to NCAA gold in 1998, and Lesa Kubishta to elite status and a spot at the Olympic Trials.
A good coach can really make a difference!
Peace out,
Kris