Trying to bring PV back to Trumbull County (OH)

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Trying to fly high once again
Leavittsburg man pushing proposal to bring back pole vaulting to area

By JOHN VARGO Tribune Chronicle
POSTED: March 30, 2008 Save | Print | Email Rick Steele is a former pole vault state champion from the former Braceville High School. He claimed the titles in 1964 and ’65.

He duplicated his brother Denny’s feat, which he did in ’62 and ’63. Denny is the Ashland University pole vault coach.

Leavittsburg and Braceville High Schools combined many years ago to form what is now known as LaBrae High School.

Rick Steele was dismayed when LaBrae recently built a new track and no pole vault pit was present.

In fact, it has been since the mid-to-late 1990s that pole vaulting has been extinct in Trumbull County.

Mostly, area coaches, athletic directors and administrators have stated the reasons as financial and safety.

Steele, who is certified by the Ohio High School Athletic Association as a pole vault clinic instructor, has recently proposed a ‘‘Hub and Spoke’’ Pole Vault proposal to the LaBrae Board of Education.

According to the proposal, Steele said, ‘‘One school shall be designated as the hub or the fixed position of all the pole-vaulting equipment. For example, if Warren Harding is interested in becoming the fixed position for the capital equipment then students from the ‘Spoke’ schools will all meet at Warren Harding’s new facilities at a designated time and date to practice.

‘‘In addition, each ‘Spoke school’ will contribute financially on an equal share basis regardless of the total number of students participating, whether male or female, a fix dollar amount every fiscal year — usually Jan. 2.’’

His main premise is to get girls pole vaulting instituted in Trumbull County as a varsity sport for 2009.

To resolve the financial issue, the Leavittsburg resident proposes the BOE be proactive in seeking equipment.

‘‘Therefore, we encourage the board to take time to shop the various used equipment markets available on-line and begin a dialogue with several of the universities and colleges within a 50-mile radius,’’ Steele said in his proposal. ‘‘Also, we suggest postponing the implementation of a pole vaulting program until the spring of 2009 or until we can find a great deal on a used but not destroyed pole vaulting pit that meets or exceeds the standards mandated by the OHSAA board. In addition, we strongly suggest holding an educational seminar for those young women and men who may desire to participate in this event so they may fully understand not only the dedication it requires, and the numerous rewards and scholarship possibilities for those who achieve excellence through dedication.’’

As of now, LaBrae BOE President Amie Crowder said she has given athletic director Mark Pallante the task of finding out if any students would be interested in the pole vault.

“If we can provide just one with a scholarship, it would be everything to that child,â€