Madeline Arnold Passes Away :(

[rainbowgirl28]

I don't know how much this news may effect the track and field community, but I do know how much it effects the pole vault community and the USC vaulters alike. I especially know how much it has and will effect me in my life. We mourn the passing of Madeleine Arnold, known to the southern california, US, and World vault communities as one half of the most skilled, accurate, and compassionate officiating duos that out sport has ever seen. She is survived by her husband, best friend, and partner of 55 years, Fred Arnold. Madeleine passed at 5:30 a.m. on sunday morning at Saint Joseph's Hospital in Burbank. Fred and Madeleine have officiated the pole vault at every major track and field meet in the Los Angles area for the past 30 plus years. I was blessed to have them work almost all of the meets though out the ups and downs of my own career, both in college and as a post collegian. They were regulars working all USC meets every year including this year's dual and the Pac 10 championship. I was fortunate to visit with her regularly and as recently as last friday. She was just so thrilled to see the new direction of the USC vault Program. She also knew and loved all of the USC vaulters. Just wednesday she asked about how Shannon Lewallen's trip to China was going and wether or not Melissa Astete was going to pole vault next year. She wanted to know If Jacob Hammond was back from Europe yet and If Danny Corrigan was going to be back for his sophomore year. She was a woman of great class, grace, and dignity, the likes we will never see again. I can confidently say that she was my good friend for the last 28 years, and that I love her and miss her deeply. In fact, we all love her and miss her deeply.


Brooks Morris, USC Pole Vault Coach
USC 1991

[bjvando]

to take this further, Fred and Madeline were on the elite stage at REno just about every year since it started.

There are very few people who can run a meet like this team. I was extremely fortunate enough to compete at many of the meets where these two officiated.

When any vaulter showed up to a meet and saw that Fred and Madeline were going to run it, a huge smile and feeling of relief crossed the vaulter. You know that the meet was going to be ran quickly and efficiently.

Madeline will be missed very much in Southern California as well as the rest of the nation. My prayers go out to Fred and anyone who was affected by the passing of Madeline......

lets hope that Fred will keep coming out to meets when the time is right...

Myslef, as well as the Cal State Fullerton Pole vaulters and coaching staff send our deepest regards to Fred and family.

[higherflyer]

She will be sadly missed by the pole vault community.

She always made all the vaulters feel like they belong there from small
no-name kids to the big ones that everyone knows.

I always got a big smile on my face when i showed up to a meet where fred and madeleine are running the pole vault because, i knew that it would run properly.


Kevin Magula
Higher Flyers
higherflyers.org

[rainbowgirl28]

For those of you who aren't sure if you knew who she was, Fred and Madeline Arnold are featured in the credits on the first Neo Vault DVD. Madeline was the inspiration behind the fundraising for breast cancer research that we did at Reno last year.

If I get an address for people to send their condolences I will be sure to post it here.

[pvkellie]

Fred and Madaline have always been a class act in the world of US track and field. I have had the honor of being around them for the last ten years and think of any other officials that are as personable then them. They knew me by first name before I had ever done anything worth talking about. Heck, my coach was telling me stories today about her when he used to vault. Her presence will no doubt be missed but will in no means ever be forgotten. If anyone has an address to send flowers to please post it!

[vaultmd]

I hope I will be forgiven for this invasion of Fred's privacy:

Madeline and Fred Arnold
3105 Hollycrest Drive
Los Angeles, CA 90068

I've had the privilege of working meets with them and tipping a drink or three. Madeline (okay, Fred, too) brightened every meet she was at. I'll miss her a lot.

[dafox]

I always got a big smile on my face when i showed up to a meet where fred and madeleine are running the pole vault because, i knew that it would run properly.

Same goes for me. She will be missed greatly, and as BJ said, hopefully Fred will come out when the time is right for him.

Whenever someone finds out time/date for services, please post them.

[rainbowgirl28]

Brooks sent me the address Wilson posted above, as well as the following:

"Services may be held up and take place in september when most people get back from vacations. I will let you know."

[vaultwest]

I first met Madeline and Fred back in 1987 when I was with PortaPit and CataPole when I was on the floor for the Sunkist and LA Times indoor meets. I was a nervous rookie in the pro pole vault scene and they made me feel right at home. Over the years I have seen them both at many meets in the LA area and up here in Eugene and they always remembered me and where very kind whether I was at the meet as a masters competitor, coach or representing an equipment company. They truely were great ambasiters to the sport and we all will greatly miss Madeline and I also hope that Fred will come back out when he is ready. My thoughts are with him.
Take Care and Vault On