Ages of pole vaulters?

[mum]

Hi I am an aussie pole vault mum. It is really hard to judge how my son is going compared to Americans when I don't know what ages sophomores or freshmen etc are? Can anyone help me out? My son is 15 (competed at Australian Junior Championships last week and won gold with a pb of 3.70m ... a bit over 11 1/2' I think). Have enjoyed reading all your posts - very interesting :-)

[rainbowgirl28]

Most Americans are normally:
Freshman (9th grade): Ages 14-15
Sophomore (10th grade): Ages 15-16
Junior (11th grade): Ages 16-17
Senior (12th grade): Ages 17-18

But it is becoming more common for kids (especially boys) to be held back a year when they are young, so it is common to see athletes a year older than what I just listed.

[EuroPV]

3.70m is a little bit more than 12 feet.

[mum]

Thanks to you both for the info.

[pvfire]

It also depends on the year. Here in Rochester,NY, when I was in high school 7 years ago as a senior I jumped 4.35, another guy jumped 4.90, a junior jumped 4.40 , a sophmore jumped 4.15, and an eighth grader jumped 3.75. This year two junior guys I know of jumped 4.05 and a senior jumped 4.50. It can be cyclical with years of huge heights and then rebuilding. Congrats to your kid, 12-1 (3.70) is a good jump at 15.

[mum]

Thanks pvfire. Puts things in perspective. Not many pole vaulters his age in Sydney - although over the last 3 years we have noticed an increase in numbers, over all age groups, at comps. His coach wants him jumping 4.20 - 4.30 by the end of the year, he's not 16 until Feb, 2011, so those heights will be good to aim for.
Cheers and HAPPY EASTER.