2/2/2010 5:03 pm

Sioux Falls, SD - The University of Sioux Falls track and field team sent 11 pole vaulters, head coach Gene Brooks and assistant coach Reid Ehrisman to the National Pole Vault Summit in Reno, Nev. last Saturday, January 30 to compete against the best vaulters in the nation and learn from the top vaulters in the world.

During USF’s first day at the summit, Brooks spoke to several hundred vaulters, parents, and fans. “It was a great opportunity for me to share with other coaches and college athletes my thoughts about the pole vault” Brooks said.

The second day both coach Brooks and Ehrisman joined the 11 Cougar vaulters in competition. Brooks and Ehrisman competed in the open division with everyone else competing in the college division.

Senior Chad Aurich set the bar for the USF men at 15’5”, which placed him 5th in his division and is one of the top marks in the NAIA.

For the women sophomore Kayla Friesen led with a vault of 11 feet, 11 and ¾ inches, placing third in her division, one spot ahead of freshman Kristin Killough. Killough had a vault of 11 feet, 5 ¾ inches.

“I believe that it was a great experience for our vaulters, they were able to experience an atmosphere of enthusiasm for the pole vault which they will not find at any other meet” Brooks said.

USF Results

Chad Aurich 15’5” (5th in his division)

Andrew Ellsworth 14’11”

Caleb Coffee 14’3 ¼”

Jake Kunkle No height

Brian Schenavar No height

Kayla Friesen 11’11 ¾” (3rd second division)

Kristin Killough 11’5 ¾” (4th second division)

Brigitte Gross 11’5 ¾”

Shelly Jacobs 10’10” (2nd in fourth division)

Adrianne Skaggs 10’6”

Dani Moyer 9’4 ¼”

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Story Documents/Links

URL	National Pole Vault Summit Website

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