This year, a new era of athletics has been introduced to our track team. After six years of not having a pole vaulting team, it is back. This new addition to the school can give students an opportunity to defy gravity and challenge themselves to reach new heights, literally, and figuratively.
“I got a call from De Smet’s Athletic director telling me that De Smet recently got a new pole vaulting pit from Potosi High School and he wanted me to coach pole vaulting,” Pole vaulting Coach Matthew Estrada said. “He wants to get De Smet’s track team to win state and I intend to help the team get there.”
Coach Estrada came out to the first track practice with the intention of teaching kids the ropes to pole vaulting.
“The pole vaulting coach came out to practice around 2 weeks ago and asked if anybody wanted to do it,” Junior Michael Huber said. “I wasn’t looking forward to running sprints so I raised my hand and it ended up being a great decision.”
Pole vaulting is a sport that requires an immense amount of body control. The physical aspects and unique experience could make it an enjoyable sport for many.
“It’s not as bad as sprinting, but it still takes a lot of body control and is also just fun,” Huber said. “It’s actually something I look forward to doing after school and am excited for rather than dread, like running sprints.”
Currently, Coach Estrada coaches three other schools, Priory, Westminster, and Whitfield. He coaches De Smet on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 3:20 pm – 4:30 pm. On Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays (if there’s no meet), he coaches over at Priory. After 4:30 He usually goes over to Westminster to coach Whitfield practice.
“On days we don’t have pole vaulting practice, we run sprints and condition with the short sprinters,” Huber said. “It isn’t as fun as pole vaulting, and I wish we could pole vault five days a week.”
Since this is the first year that De Smet has offered a pole vaulting team, the team is starting from scratch and no experience.
“My goal with my vaulters this season is for them to reach higher heights,” Estrada said. “[I want them to] gain more confidence in themselves, and enjoy the art of flying over the bar.”
While track is a very popular sport among the school, there are very few people participating in the pole vaulting team. There are 4 players, 1 junior, 2 sophomores, and a freshman. If you are interested in joining the team, it isn’t too late. If you’re interested, email Coach Estrada at [email protected]
“We could always use more pole vaulters out there, or even just anything with track,” Huber said. “Email the coach, and just show up any time of the week, we would love to have you.”
