Batdorf always wants to go higher in pole vault (NJ)

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http://www.courierpostonline.com/apps/p ... /803280412

West Deptford's Batdorf always wants to go higher in pole vault
BY DON BENEVENTO • COURIER-POST STAFF • MARCH 28, 2008

WEST DEPTFORD — Draw up a list of track-and-field athletes most likely to break a South Jersey record this spring, and West Deptford High School pole vaulter Dan Batdorf's name would be somewhere near the top.



Now entering his senior season, Batdorf is coming off a winter campaign in which he twice vaulted 15 feet, 6 inches, and won the state championship in the event.

For his efforts, he was named the Boys' Track Performer of the Year by the Courier-Post.

Now comes the next test.

Batdorf has done an outdoor best of 14-6 and is aiming to break the record of 16 feet set by Haddon Heights' Ben Green in 1992.

His supporters think that mark is well within his reach.

"Not to brag, but we've had some good pole vaulters here," said West Deptford coach Mark Dixon. "We've had a couple of state champions and 11 South Jersey champions, and Dan is one of the best.

"If we can keep him focused and keep him healthy, the sky's the limit for him."

Batdorf admits that setting the South Jersey record is his goal for the season, but he's taking a low-key approach.

"I feel like I just want to be more consistent going into the season," he said. "I want to get better every week, and I'd like to jump 16-6 by the end of the year."

According to Dixon, there is no reason to question whether that height is within Batdorf's reach.

"His potential is so great," he said.

"He corrects one thing, and there goes 6 more inches."

Much of Batdorf's success comes from plenty of practice and hard work. But he also is mentally tough and athletically gifted.

A captain on the football team, for which he played tight end and defensive end, Batdorf also was a pretty good baseball player before turning his attention to track.

Dixon likes to tell how he decided to introduce Batdorf to the pole vault one day in gym class. Within a couple of attempts, Batdorf was doing 9 feet.

"I'd had guys who had been jumping for three or four years and couldn't do 9 feet," Dixon said.

"He's just so coachable. I can tell some guys to drive the knee, and they have no idea what I'm talking about. I tell Dan to drive the knee, and he's driving the knee."

Batdorf made a smooth transition into track. A multi-event performer, he also runs the 100 and 200 and throws the discus. He's competitive in each of those events.

He also likes to keep himself involved with his teammates, many of whom look upon him as one of the team leaders.

"Every time at practice, he comes ready to go," said state-champion hurdler Steve Mitchell. "He likes to have fun, but he works hard. He tells people what they have to do to get better. He's like another coach."

But it's the pole vault that sets Batdorf apart from the others.

Often he is off practicing alone -- if he gets a chance to practice at all.

The event can be affected by many different things, such as wind and other weather and field conditions.

There are times when Batdorf goes for days without vaulting before performing in a meet.

That was often true during the indoor season when, in many cases, his vaults within the competitions were his only vaults of the week.

From those conditions, however, Batdorf believes he has been able to develop even more mental toughness.

"On the days when you can't practice, you watch the tapes and try to learn some things that can make you better," he said.

"Sometimes you have to go into a meet mentally prepared when you haven't practiced at all."

From a physical standpoint, Batdorf is said to have all the tools it takes to be a good jumper.

He has a sprinter's speed, good body mass and upper body strength.

What he needs to work on, he said, is technique at the top of the jump. Getting the required height is one thing, but having the dexterity to clear the bar and land in one piece is another.

"Technique is the most important thing, and I don't have that yet," Batdorf said. "That takes years to get it right, and I'm still working on it."

Few who know Batdorf doubt that his time will come.