Drew Mann article (CA)

[rainbowgirl28]

http://www.signonsandiego.com/sports/pr ... brand.html

No place like home for this prep pole vaulter

Mann's training facility is in his own back yard

By Steve Brand
UNION-TRIBUNE STAFF WRITER
April 15, 2006

It isn't easy being a high school pole vaulter.

Runners can just jog down to the track and train. Jumpers can use the runways anytime. Even shot-putters won't find the competition rings used very often.

Pole vaulters have to drag out large mats, heavy standards, crossbars and, of course, the poles. And no one practices alone – that would be too dangerous.

But Scripps Ranch High's Drew Mann just steps outside into his back yard.

Oh, he has to grab a couple poles, but everything else he needs is right there beyond the patio and just before the land slopes into one of Scripps Ranch's scenic canyons.

He even has the school's pole vault coach – his dad, Alan – available most of the time.


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“It's great, especially in the summer,â€Â