Average High School Pole Vault Height for Boys and Girls

Average High School Pole Vault Height for Boys and Girls

When discussing average high school pole vault heights for boys and girls in the context of high school track and field, it is essential to account for regional variations, dedication, and access to quality training. The opening height in high school pole vaulting competitions often sets the stage for athletes, indicating the initial height they must clear and highlighting the starting point for various levels of competitors.

Boys' Pole Vault Heights

Average Height: Around 11 feet.

State Qualifiers: Generally, around 13 feet.

State Champions: Typically over 16 feet. A select few exceed 17 feet, and every year, one or two athletes clear over 18 feet. Elite high school vaulters often exceed these heights, showcasing exceptional talent and dedication. Athletes strive to jump higher to achieve these heights.

National Record: As of April 2023, the high school boys’ pole vault record stands at 19 feet 10.25 inches (6.06 meters) set by Mondo Duplantis

College Scholarships: Minimum height for a Division I college scholarship is 16 feet. Depending on performance, some athletes may secure a full ride scholarship, especially at smaller Division I, Division II, or NAIA institutions.

Girls' Pole Vault Heights

Average Height: Around 9 feet.

State Qualifiers: Generally, around 10 feet.

State Champions: Typically over 12 feet 6 inches. A select few exceed 13 feet. These impressive heights are often achieved during high school track meets, where competition is fierce.

National Record: As of April 2023, Hana Moll

College Scholarships: Minimum height for a Division I college scholarship is 12 feet 6 inches.

Influencing Factors

Regional Variation

States like California, Texas, and Illinois generally have higher average heights due to better facilities and stronger competition. Pole vaulting has gained popularity over the last 20 years, with many retired elite vaulters coaching the next generation. This continuous cycle of experienced athletes training new vaulters has steadily increased performance levels across the country. These factors give athletes in these states a competitive edge over their peers in other regions.

School Size, Clubs, and Resources

Larger schools with better coaching tend to produce higher average vault heights. Larger schools with better coaching, including access to private coaching, tend to produce higher average vault heights. However, many high schools still lack the necessary poles, coaches, and resources. In contrast, over 200 clubs across the U.S. offer private facilities and specialized training from a young age. These clubs contribute significantly to developing collegiate-level vaulters due to more practice opportunities, superior coaching, and focused pole vaulting programs. Additionally, club meets provide athletes with additional competition opportunities, allowing them to transition from school competitions to higher levels of performance by competing against older and more skilled individuals.

Athlete Dedication

Athletes focusing exclusively on pole vaulting and receiving consistent training tend to achieve higher clearances. Dedication to the sport, including off-season training and participation in specialized camps, greatly impacts an athlete's performance.

What College Coaches Are Looking For

College coaches consider various factors beyond just the height cleared when offering scholarships. They look at whether the athlete had access to a pole vault coach, their potential for improvement with better resources, and their training commitment. Opening a line of communication with college coaches early in the recruitment process is crucial to enhance opportunities for scholarships and placements. Factors like determination, self-training, and participation in clubs also play crucial roles in the recruitment process. Athletes should assess their ability to score points in competitions by looking at past conference meet results to gauge if their performance would place them among the top competitors. Coaches aim to evaluate an athlete’s potential for growth and contribution to their college team.

Participation Numbers

High school pole vaulting sees thousands of participants nationwide. For example, according to recent statistics:

• Approximately 20,000 boys participate in high school pole vaulting annually.
• Around 15,000 girls participate in the sport each year.

Many high schools have robust athletic programs that encourage participation in pole vaulting.

Understanding the average high school pole vault heights involves considering regional and individual variations. For boys, averages are around 11 feet, with state qualifiers reaching 13 feet and champions clearing over 16 feet. For girls, averages are around 9 feet, with state qualifiers at 10 feet and champions over 12 feet 6 inches. These insights reflect the dedication, training quality, and regional competitive environment, significantly influencing pole vaulting performance. These performance metrics provide valuable insights into the factors influencing pole vaulting success.