click here to download our start-up package with forms, waivers and directions

Introduction
Congratulations on finding the best pole vault place in the region! Every year the vast majority of the top finishers at the Colorado State High School meet practiced at the ATB site. In in recent years, we had the 4A and 5A boys and girls state champs practice here. Kids and adults of every level, from beginners to 19 foot men and 15 foot women have jumped here. It's a fun environment where we jump safely and high, with plenty of learning.

What you need
Joining is easy. Just fill out a couple waivers and join USATF. There is a $30 fee that covers our club insurance to the end of our current 12 month season. See the info on "Joining ATB", and print and bring the signed the waivers when you come. It’s $5 each practice, so sign in and pay that each visit. Bring poles if you can. We have some if you can’t bring yours. Dress in appropriate, warm athletic clothing. It is often cool. Bring water, sunblock, etc.

Location
The large landing pit and runway are located just south of the Boulder Valley Christian Church in south Boulder. Directions are on the "Joining ATB" page. Park in the blacktop lot on the East side of the church. You’ll see the pit out in the yard.

When we practice
Practices are scheduled regularly year around. In spring we practice 3 times a week, typically. Since it is outdoors, we are weather dependent. We send out club emails with scheduled practices, upcoming meets, and other pole vault information. Send an email to jcar75@msn.com with your name and request to be put on the mailing list. We are also putting up a calendar on www.patmanson.com that will have practices posted. It is in trial use this season so watch your emails first, but check the calendar.

Other Pole Vaulting Opportunities
We send a group to the Pole Vault Summit in Reno every year. It is worth the trip. See www.polevaultsummit.com for more info. We help with two indoor winter Camps, one in mid December in Pueblo and one between Christmas and new years in Fort Collins. In June after school is out we have a camp in the Denver Metro area (southern Aurora last couple years). Check out www.patmanson.com for info on the elite immersion camps that run all summer and sell out fast. We’ll email or post all the info you need for the local track meets, indoors and out, where you can pole vault.

Private lessons
Lots of vaulters sign up for private or semi-private lessons with Pat Manson. These can be scheduled almost anytime and cost an extra hourly fee. During club practices, people in private lessons don’t wait in line. These lessons are the fastest way to get better in pole vaulting. Most of the recent state champions and top finishers in Colorado had private lessons. Pat’s schedule for coaching private lessons fills up pretty quickly in the spring. Call Pat at 303-403-9111 or email at patmanson@msn.com for more info.

Summary
ATB is a fun place where you can get on a pole vault runway for great practices, and meet lots of other pole vaulters. We are all about safety and improvement. Every skill level is welcome. Pure beginners are welcome, as are masters and, of course, high schoolers. Please view the other information posted here and we’ll see you soon!