BACKYARD POLE VAULTING - MIKE SOULE - WYOMING, MN
Mike and I have become friends as he began a comeback after MANY years away from the sport. In fact, it will be a year since our first correspondence on December 16, 2005. So OF COURSE, he's already started his backyard facility. Thanks in great part to his wife, Kay. CONGRATS to Mike and all like him. Bubba
Check out the new runway below!!!

Mike vaulting & w/ his band, Rockin' The Dog
MIKE SAYS - OK, Here are the particulars;
Runway is grass. It's about 85 feet. The box. I made the mold for it and had it fibreglassed at a local fibreglass shop here in town. I wouldn't suggest this as it still cost me about $190 for the privilege of "doing it myself" My standards: The main uprights are stage lighting trees. The actual crossbar holder parts are made out of PVC tubing and glued together. They just slip over the top of the trees so if I need the trees for a gig with my band I can just slip the tops off and take them to the gig. The standards can go up to 13 feet. (way higher than I figure I'll ever need). The pit. It's 3 sections. 11'6" X 5'4" each section. I got the top pad and the cover for it from a high school in southern Minnesota. They had to replace the one that I've got because of the new
standards. Click on photos to see large version.
OH WAIT ... I NEED A RUNWAY!!!
THE NEW RUNWAY & THE MAN BEHIND IT
OK - Mike will show step by step how the runway came together and what it cost, so please click any photo to enlarge and get details. Before and after photos, as well as costs are on the last frame. Thanks Mike!!