PoleVaultPower.com

I was just wondering how most colleges run their track programs. Obviously with my current PR of 11'6" I'm not some sort of vault prodigy, but I really enjoy the sport and I'd like to continue vaulting throughout my college/adult life. I dunno if track is a cut sport or whatever in college (I'm assuming it is), but I'm curious as to what options are available. I'm looking at colleges all over the place right now (I'm a junior) from Illinois to Texas to New York.

If you've ever heard of Mike Drummey, he went to Southern Connecticut State University in New Haven, CT. He has the record for all of New England. I'm going there in the fall and I have the same PR as you. I've talked with the coaches and they said that I can still be part of the team, but it is likely that I won't compete until I can clear 13-6 without issues because that is what most of the meets will open at. I'm still going to be allowed to practice and travel with the team.

You also might want to check out the University of Southern Maine at Gorham (where he coaches) http://www.usm.maine.edu/

Here's a blurb about Mike Drummey on the USM Athletics page

Mike Drummey, USM Pole Vault Coach, is the highest vaulter in New England history with a best jump of 18’6. He was a six time All-American at SCSU and a three time National Champion. After his college career, he went on to compete throughout the country and in Japan. Mike has jumped and coached with the best athletes in the United States and has developed techniques that produce great results.

Hope this helps [/url]

Look through the high school and college forums and use the search features, there are many threads about what it takes to vault in college.

The short answer is most anyone can vault in college, but not necessarily at any school you'd like. It is very tough to even walk-on, especially for guys, at many of the major DI programs.