Ascent Track & Field ClinicS

POLE VAULT SCHEDULE (ALL CLINICS)

What to expect

Spend 2 days learning from some of the best minds in the sport.

TRAINING AT THE INTERSECTION OF SPEED, TIMING, AND TECHNICAL EXECUTION

At an Ascent Track & Field Clinic, athletes in the Pole Vault group spend two carefully structured days building the sprint, approach, and technical skills that underpin successful vaulting.

The clinic begins with sprint mechanics and approach work on and off the runway, then progresses through short-approach straight-pole drills, pole plants, and swing-up progressions that emphasize timing, takeoff position, and efficient movement of the pole.

Light gymnastics are integrated to improve body awareness and coordination, before athletes apply these skills in short-approach vaults into the pit. On day two, athletes reinforce their approach consistency and technical execution through repeated approach runs, pit warm-ups, and swing-ups, gradually progressing from short to medium and full-approach vaults.

There is an emphasis on helping athletes understand exactly what they’re trying to achieve from a physics standpoint, not simply how to do it. Across both days, training is supported by ancillary work, coach-led discussions, and structured Q&A, giving athletes a clear technical framework they can continue to develop after the clinic. 

Clinic Schedule

Sample schedule (All clinics)

DAY 1

8:30-9:00 AM -Registration

9-9:15 AM- Staff Introductions

9:15-9:40 AM- Dynamic warm-up

9:40-9:45 AM- Hydration break

9:45-10:10 AM- Sprint mechanics

10:10-10:15 AM- Hydration break

10:15-10:50 AM- Approach mechanics off the runway

10:50-11:25 PM- Short approach straight pole drills

11:25-11:30- Hydration break

11:30 AM-12 PM- Short approach poleplants

12- 12:45 PM - Lunch

12:45-1:15 PM- All-Clinic Coaches Panel

1:15--1:45 PM- Dynamic warm-up

1:45-1:50 PM- Hydration break

1:50-2:10 PM- Light gymnastics (budkas)

2:10-2:55 PM- Short approach swing-ups

2:55-3 PM- Hydration break

3-3:45 PM- Short approach vaults

3:50-4 PM- Cool down and Q&A

DAY 2

8:30-9 AM- Registration

9- 9:30 AM- Dynamic warm-up/ gymnastics

9:30-9:35 AM- Hydration break

9:35-9:50 AM- Approach runs off the runway

9:50-10:10- Warm up drills into the pit

10:10-10:15 AM- Hydration break

10:15-11:10 AM- Short approach swing-ups

11:10-11:15 AM- Hydration break

11:15 AM- 12 PM- Short/Medium approach vaults

12-12:45 PM- Lunch

12:45-1:15 PM- All Clinic Coaches Panel

1:15-1:45 PM-Dynamic warm-up

1:45-1:50 PM- Hydration break

1:50-2:10 PM- Warm-up drills into the pit

2:10-2:55 PM- Short to full approach swing-ups

2:55-3 PM- Hydration break

3-3:45 PM- Short to full approach vaults

3:45-4 PM- Cool down, wrap up and Q&A

4:00 pm- Clinic is over for the day

PAST COACHES

Group coaches from prior years. They may or may not be at this year’s clinics. Check individual clinic pages for staff updates.

BOO SCHEXNAYDER

Director, Consultant, Coach

SAC SPEED

Sprints/Jumps/Throws

ALLYSON WARUCH

Associate Head Coach

UMASS-LOWELL

Jumps

ROB WHITTEN

Head Coach of Track & Field/XC

SOUTHERN MAINE

Pole Vault

JOE KLIM

Assistant Director of Track & Field

PENN

Jumps/Multis/Throws

ERICK DUFFY

Assistant Coach

DUKE UNIVERSITY

Jumpers/Multis

LAWRENCE JOHNSON

Assistant Coach

COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY

Sprints/Jumps/Pole Vault

BRENNER ABBOTT

Assistant Coach

HARVARD UNIVERSITY

Pole Vault

TIM NICKAS

Associate Head Coach

MICHIGAN STATE UNIVERSITY

Pole Vault