When will Tommy S. go pro?

[pole bender]

I think that either option would be cool. It would be sweet to see the college record fall, but really--it's just gonna fall again. He can sign, go pro and stay in school. Andrew Rock went pro before he was done with his school here I believe, but then again he also ran out of eligability. The pro track circuit will get him more money at this age than most jobs, but once he is 40 years old... what is he gonna do then?

lashan merrit (400 guy) went pro after something like his 3rd college meet. got a contract with nike for (i believe) 4 million $$$. so as long as he dosent blow that money he should be set for life. no reason TS cant do basically the same thing (and STILL get his degree).

[SlickVT]

Pole vaulters are very rarely millionaires.

GOOD runners are different stories.

[PVDad2]

I’m a 30-year Banker by occupation and have a lot of insight into how these decisions affect people. I’ve seen literally thousands of financial statements and tax returns on all types of people with all types of backgrounds, including some “household nameâ€Â

[pole bender]

[quote="PVDad2"]I’m a 30-year Banker by occupation and have a lot of insight into how these decisions affect people. I’ve seen literally thousands of financial statements and tax returns on all types of people with all types of backgrounds, including some “household nameâ€Â

[uconnvaulta]

if you can read, and you see the above post, you probably should never ask about this subject again, pvdad pretty much gave you everything you can hear, awesome job

[vault3rb0y]

On a note of sponsorship, im suprised companies pay a lot of money to have you advertise for them, considering i have only seen 1 meet on TV where they actually showed pole vaulting, and it was for about 30 seconds. While the mile runners have their sponsors image on for more than 8 minutes straight on a 2 mile race. It just suprises me that people actually get rich pole vaulting..... unless you are top 3 in the nation. Its not NFL or MBA.... i only wish it was more publicized.

[bvpv07]

if you can read, and you see the above post, you probably should never ask about this subject again, pvdad pretty much gave you everything you can hear, awesome job

I second this. Great job PVDad2!

Why is this even being discussed? It's not as though any opinion said here is going to affect whatever Skipper does...

[vault3rb0y]

[quote="PVDad2"]I’m a 30-year Banker by occupation and have a lot of insight into how these decisions affect people. I’ve seen literally thousands of financial statements and tax returns on all types of people with all types of backgrounds, including some “household nameâ€Â

[SlickVT]

There is actually a really simple solution to becoming filthy rich in pole vaulting:

Jump 6 meters before college and break the world record a few times thereafter.

Thats pretty much the equivalent of what Alan Webb did in distance running, and he will never be half as rich as an NBA sixth man.

Its the sad truth, but the bottom line is, if you can make a half-decent living pole vaulting, you are supporting yourself doing what you love, and too few people can say that.

[pole bender]

There is actually a really simple solution to becoming filthy rich in pole vaulting:

Jump 6 meters before college and break the world record a few times thereafter.

Thats pretty much the equivalent of what Alan Webb did in distance running, and he will never be half as rich as an NBA sixth man.

Its the sad truth, but the bottom line is, if you can make a half-decent living pole vaulting, you are supporting yourself doing what you love, and too few people can say that.

doing what you love and making $$$. does life get better? i think not. TS can do it.

[uconnvaulta]

this is just getting annoying, TS yes he can do it, but if he can, he will be the first to do it, and so far he hasnt jumped what lojo jumped, or anyone esle, so stop getting so worked up about it, because who cares honestly, good for him , good for us , instead of sitting here arguing over what he can do, how bout you worry about what you can do, how high you can jump , honestly, who cares, screw it, get to nationals, set a school record whatever, just have fun and jump high, i could care less what TS jumps for all i care, because Tim Mack and Toby Stevenson, brad walker, so far to me are on a totally different level than him

[CrossBarHOpper]

What does he have to prove on the college level? Not much. He could go for the NCAA record and stay in school or turn pro and make alot of $$$ and later get his degree. If i was him id go to Europe , train for the REAL meets and go for 20'.

gotta have an education to fall back on, like you said after 35 its all downhill. I think hes best off finishing up, then getting with some serious coaches to see how he does at that level consistently.

I am pretty sure he still is coached by Rick bagget who'd i would say to be pretty serious and HEs great and Planning Correct me if i am wrong here