Shows
The Apex Vaulting PodcastEpisode 125: Resources and Approach for Coaching the VaultIn this episode Head Coach Jessi Juarez joins the podcast to discuss the realities of coaching Track and Field. Often in Track a Field coaches get thrust into the role of coaching events they didn't compete in. This is just the reality of what happens in the real world of high school and college track. What are the resources and what approach should you take? Jessi and I go over the perspective you need and advice on how to approach what seems like an impossible task. If you don't come from a vault background it can seem very intimidating to...2024-11-111h 18
The Apex Vaulting PodcastEpisode 124 Scott Kendricks: It's all about technique!We have the great honor of hosting Scott Kendricks, coach and father, of Olympic Silver medalist Sam Kedricks on the podcast today! I made a recent post about Sam's exceptional push off, how high above your grip you jump, and Scott joined us to discuss their philosophy of jumping and how Sam continues to produce 19' plus jumps on only a 16' pole. Technique and tracking date are definitely important, and this is definitely a must listen! Thanks for joining us Scott!
Please share, subscribe, and comment!2024-08-281h 29The Apex Vaulting PodcastEp. 123 Can Strength&Conditioning help you run faster, get on bigger poles, and jump higher?In this episode two high school athletes at the club, Bella and Alex, join the podcast and discuss how the strength app helped add the speed and strength they needed to get higher grips, bigger poles, further out mids, and new personal records! Can the strength app help you?
Make sure to subscribe to the podcast and share the episode with a friend! And your comments also help promote the podcast and email us with any comments or questions! apexvaulting@gmail.com2024-06-1651 minThe Apex Vaulting PodcastEpisode 122 Can you Vault as an Adult?In this episode Branko is joined by Lilly Brown and Calvin Gould. They discuss what it is like to jump as adults. Lilly is currently in law school and Calvin is an Engineer. They discuss the shift in perspective from being highly driven and competitive athletes at the high school and collegiate level to now using the vault as an outlet and way of staying in shape. They share their insights and of course the importance of community and culture of positivity and growth being one of the major reasons for continuing to vault.
As always if you enjoy the...2024-04-081h 05The Apex Vaulting PodcastEpisode 121 Skill and Physical development are the answer to your Pole Vault ProblemsIn this episode Branko covers recent videos posted on the invert and getting "stuck in the bucket." As explained in those videos working on developing the needed strength and speed for each skill in the vault is needed, and doing the drills required to work on aspects of the vault has to be done to master skill. Doing full jumps from longer approaches and trying hard will get you no where fast.
On that note Branko also discusses what really causes run throughs and what to expect if you want to solve your run through issues.
If you enjoyed this...2023-12-2321 minThe Apex Vaulting PodcastEpisode 120 What to expect at your first pole vault practiceIf you have never pole vaulted before going to your first practice session might seem intimidating, but it doesn't have to be! In today's podcast episode we go over what beginners should expect at their first practice. And if you are a coach or club owner and don't have a pole vault structured warm up, make sure to take notes and email us if you need help designing your warm up structure to not only help onboard new athletes but help current ones continue to refine the foundational skills of the vault at every practice session!
If you enjoyed the...2023-11-1423 minThe Apex Vaulting PodcastEpisode 119: How do you rate your jump?I think if you're anything like me you want to know that you are doing your absolute best. And maybe that's what draws us to the vault. With all the technique there is to master, physical improvements we can make through training, there really are so many different variables we can continually work on to improve. The journey never really ends. On a scale of 1 to 10, 1 you're only scratching the surface, 10 you are squeezing every inch out of your jump, how do you rate your jump? Are you really trying your best?
What are the metrics you use to rate...2023-05-0424 minThe Apex Vaulting PodcastEpisode 118: Strength and Conditioning options for Pole VaultStrength and Conditioning coach at Defranco’s Gym Calvin Hartman, former Apex Vauliting athlete and coach, joins the podcast to share an amazing new service we are providing at Apex Vaulting. As a former athlete and coach at the club he has experienced first hand what a strength and conditioning program can do for a pole vaulter. In college he went from being a 14’ HS jumper to hitting 15’9” in college! At Defranco’s Calvin has expanded his knowledge and experience by working with NFL athletes, adult clients, and high school athletes of all sports. He is now bringing this knowdge and experi...2023-03-1732 minThe Apex Vaulting PodcastEpisode 117: What is your expectation for practice?Did you just have an awesome practice? Did you finally get the grip up, master one of the skills of the vault and it felt like everything just clicked? What should you expect for your next practice? What comes next may be suprising. Often athletes and even young coaches expect a never ending string of excellent practices and meets, but that's just not reality. In fact we must learn and expect that often those excellent practices and performances at meets are a product of many average, some may even call them boring practices. If you expect this it will be...2022-10-1226 minThe Apex Vaulting PodcastEpisode 116: How drill variation can help you jump higher!Have you ever plateaued three quarters of the way through a season? Are you sick of the same practice routine season after season? Maybe what you need is drill variation! In this episode Branko discusses how you can use drill variation to avoid practices getting stale and keep improving your technique and keep pr'ing!
As always if you enjoyed this podcast episode please subscribe and share this episode with a friend! If you have any comments or questions or would like us to help you with your pole vault training email us at apexvaulting@gmail.com2022-09-2329 minThe Apex Vaulting PodcastEpisode 115: If you want to have a good indoor season, what should you be doing now?You can't wait for indoor track and want to have a big year! So what should you be doing right now to give yourself the best shot at having a great season? And what happens if you wait until December to start training? You might be surprised to find out it may be too late to make some of those technical and physical improvements you were hoping to make for this year. Don't wait, start training now!
And if you need any help setting up your training reach out, we can help!
Contact us at apexvaulting@gmail.com.2022-09-1413 minThe Apex Vaulting PodcastEpisode 114: Chris Chappell of UCSChris Chappell of UCS joins the podcast to discuss the recent World Championships and Mondo's new World Record! I ask Chris How it feels to be the company that provides the poles for so many record breaking performances.
As always if you enjoy the podcast please subscribe and share! Also if you have any comments or questions please email us at apexvaulting@gmail.com2022-08-011h 01The Apex Vaulting PodcastEpisode 113: How to fix Run Throughs!Have you ever had issues with run throughs? How do you fix the run through problem? In Episode 113 with Robert Plumb we discuss some strategies on how to fix run throughs and how long it will take to fix the issue.
As always if you enjoy the podcast please subscribe and share! Also if you have any comments or questions please email us at apexvaulting@gmail.com2022-08-011h 08The Apex Vaulting PodcastEpisode 112: Noah Kaminsky Coaching Clinics and CampsNoah Kaminsky joins the podcast again! Noah discusses his experience coaching large groups at pole vault clinics for the Public School Athletic League in NYC. At times Noah would coach up to 40 plus athletes at a time. How do approach large group training differently? What should the goals be for coaching clinics and camps? Find out in this episode!
As always if you enjoy this episode share with a friend and subscribe! If you have any comments or questions please email us at apexvaulting@gmail.com.2022-06-261h 10The Apex Vaulting PodcastEpisode 111: Ellie Fitzgerald Pr'ing past AdversityEllie Fitzgerald joins the podcast and discusses her last two years of vaulting, including dealing with a stress fracture in her foot during this past indoor season and how she persevered to a PR this outdoor season! Have you ever had to deal with a setback from injury? Did you just sit back and wait for to it heal? Is that the best way to deal with it? What are some other options? Check out this episode to find out!
As always if you enjoy this podcast please share with a friend and subscribe! Email us any of your comments...2022-06-261h 08The Apex Vaulting PodcastEpisode 110 What to do the practice before the big meet?You have one practice left before your big meet, (States, Conference, Nationals etc.)what do you do? Well Branko discusses how people answered that question on twitter and how he would approach that final practice. He also discusses some mistakes he made in the past.
As always if you enjoy the podcast please subscribe and share with a friend! And if you have any questions please feel free to email us at apexvaulting@gmail.com2022-05-3131 minThe Apex Vaulting PodcastEpisode 109 Vaulting for Life Part 2 Calvin GouldVaulting for Life! Why would adults pole vault? Calvin Gould one of the adults that train at Apex goes over his reasons why he trains. Calvin has jumped at Apex for over 10 years, through high school, college, and now as an adult, and he goes over his shift in mindset as a vaulter how that has made all the difference for him. His mindset of skill mastery instead of change pr's has made vaulting way more fruitful and satisfying.
If you vaulted when you were in high school or college, or always wanted to try, find a pole vault club...2022-04-0459 minThe Apex Vaulting PodcastEpisode 108 Vaulting for Life Part 1 Joe LeskyVaulting for Life! Why would adults pole vault? Joe Lesky one of the adults that train at Apex goes over his reasons why he trains. Physical fitness, chasing goals, and finding a home away from home are just a few reasons why. Too often in the vault community it seems the only reason someone should vault as an adult is to train for the Olympics. But the vault has so much more to offer. If you vaulted when you were in high school or college, or always wanted to try, find a pole vault club and see what pole vaulting...2022-04-0458 minThe Apex Vaulting PodcastEpisode 107: How to Program Drills for PracticeBranko discusses his recent article, How do you program drills into your practices. Branko breaks down three different types of practice, small, medium, and big days. How to structure the practice and how many drills should be done on each type of practice. He also discusses how to choose drills for your athletes depending on deficiencies in their jumps.
Finally Branko discusses that often the majority of the pole vault community has the wrong perspective. Their advice is often coming from the perspective of trying to get someone to jump olympic heights and not realizing that most of the community...2022-03-0631 minThe Apex Vaulting PodcastEpisode 106: Paying attention to detail, and avoiding overcoaching at meetsThis episode Branko discusses how paying attention to small details as a coach helps your athletes have more attention to detail and the dangers of overreaching at meets. Sometimes as coaches we feel that we need to make adjustments after every jump, but do we? As always if you enjoy this episode please subscribe to our podcast on Apple podcasts or our youtube channel Apex Vaulting!
Also if you have any questions please feel free to email us at apexvaulting@gmail.com2022-02-1023 minThe Apex Vaulting PodcastEpisode 105: Picking the right college to jump at.Robert Plumb, college junior at NCAA Division 2 East Stroudsburg, joins the podcast to discuss how he chose the school he's at and how he has become an important member of his track team. We discuss what athlete's should be looking for in a school if they intend to compete at the collegiate level. He also discusses what it takes to be a successful member of a college team. You may have thought you were working hard in high school, but you may need to take it to another level in college.
If you enjoy the podcast please subscribe and share...2021-12-2554 minThe Apex Vaulting PodcastEpisode 104: Should you specialize in the pole vaultBrad Lawrence, owner and operator, of Apex Long Island joins the podcast to discuss the Twitter debate Branko got into with Scott Simpson about specializing in the pole vault. Should people specialize in the pole vault at a young age? Will it cause injury? Should you do multiple sports instead?2021-11-1840 minThe Apex Vaulting PodcastEpisode 103 Calvin Hartman How to provide better service for your athletesCalvin Hatman joins the podcast again, and he never disappoints. We discuss how you can grow your club and provide service that will attract more athletes. We discuss short term and long term goals you should have with your club/business. What actually works when trying to grow? How important is social media? What can you do make your athletes happy?
Do you have athletes that struggle with pull ups and upper body strength? Calvin also goes over his bullet proof plan to get athletes from zero to 10 pull ups! Do not miss it. We have the video on our...2021-11-0256 minThe Apex Vaulting PodcastEpisode 102: Ethan SenecalEthan Senecal, coordinator of Cross Country and Track and Field at Susquehanna University, joins the podcast! Ethan has a wealth of experience from being a decathlete, and coaching at many programs and shares his knowledge with us. Ethan discusses training, recruiting, and even shares his knowledge in hosting successful event. An amazing episode! It may have taken a while to have him on the podcast, but he definitely will be on again.2021-09-2759 minThe Apex Vaulting PodcastEpisode 101Baseball has spring training, Football has training camp in the summer, and The Pole Vault has fall training! Fall is the perfect time of year to get back to basics and work on all those drills, skills, and weaknesses you have. It's time to sharpen the blade that has gotten dull from the past year. It's also a great time to focus on strength and conditioning since theirs no meet around the corner. Time to get strong and fast. Fall training may not be sexy, but it is effective!2021-09-2238 minThe Apex Vaulting PodcastEpisode 100: Eric BennettEric Bennett long time NCAA Division 3 coach joins the podcast to discuss a belt system for pole vaulting and what that would look like. How would a belt system help athletes and more so coaches? Check out the episode and if you enjoy the episode please share it with a friend and subscribe!2021-09-071h 00The Apex Vaulting PodcastEpisode 99: Apex Long Island Brad and TobieBrad and Tobie, owners of the Apex Vaulting Long Island location, join the podcast and discuss their journey from being pole vaulters, to coaches and now club owners. They discuss what motivated them to coach and why they chose to open an Apex franchise instead of starting from scratch.
If you enjoy the podcast please make sure to like, share, subscribe, and review and rate the podcast! if you have any questions please feel free to reach out and email us at apexvaulting@gmail.com2021-07-061h 13The Apex Vaulting PodcastEpisode 98: Esther FleigleEsther Fleigle of the Fleigle Flyers joins the podcast to discuss the stress of practice versus the stress of competing and how coaches can help alleviate some fo the stresses of competition, as well as a slew of other pole vault coaching topics. If you enjoy the podcast make sure to subscribe, like, and share this episode! Thanks!2021-04-0754 minThe Apex Vaulting PodcastEpisode 97: Who needs to buy poles? What's tough coaching, and what's just dumb?Branko does a solo episodes and covers a few topics. Who actually needs to buy poles? Should a novice jumper buy? How do you coach athletes to be tough, and what athletes actually need toughness the most? And as always if you need help contact us at apexvaulting@gmail.com. Don't be do proud as a coach to ask for help!2021-03-0835 minThe Apex Vaulting PodcastEpisode 96: Alex Curran (Getting an Indoor Facility)Alex Curran, head coach and business owner of Next Step Pole Vault Club, joins the podcast to tell us about signing for his first indoor facility! Alex discusses his inspiration and journey from becoming a pole vaulter, coach, and now proud club coach and small business owner! He discusses some of the concerns, struggles, and fears of getting an indoor facility. This is one of my all time favorite episodes and we will certainly have Alex on again! If you have any comments and questions about this or any episode please email us at apexvaulting@gmail.com. We are doing...2021-03-011h 09The Apex Vaulting PodcastEpisode 95: Part 2 Listener QuestionsThis is part 2 of Branko's solo episode answering listener questions that addresses the college track situation, how to coach sessions safely during this time, how masters pole vaulters should train and eat, as well as some other technical questions. This episode had to be divided into two parts due to technical difficulties. Thank you for the questions and keep them coming! If you enjoy the podcast please like, share and subscribe!2021-03-0120 minThe Apex Vaulting PodcastEpisode 95: Part 1 Listner QuestionsBranko does a solo episode and answers listener questions that address the college track situation, how to coach sessions safely, how masters pole vaulters should train and eat, as well as some other technical questions. This episode had to be divided into two parts due to technical difficulties. Thank you for the questions and keep them coming! If you enjoy the podcast please like, share and subscribe!2021-03-0123 minThe Apex Vaulting PodcastEpisode 94: Shawn Francis and Colin WaitzmanThe great Shawn Francis and Colin Waitzman join the podcast to discuss the state of Pole Vault today! Are the Olympics or Track and Field holding back our sport? Also we answer some listener questions on this episode! Keep those questions coming and have your questions answered on the podcast! Email us at apexvaulting@gmail.com2021-02-151h 26The Apex Vaulting PodcastEpisode 93: So you want to Coach? And what's GPP and SPP anyway with Calvin HartmanCalvin Hartman joins the podcast to discuss what it takes to become a coach, and work towards making a living with it. Calvin discusses the ups and downs of being a young coach and some important lessons he learned along the way. We also go over what gpp and spp are and how coaches can incorperate both to take their athletes' training to the next level.2021-02-0647 minThe Apex Vaulting PodcastEpisode 92: Blazing Indoor Season and How to Grow your ClubIn this episode Branko announces he will be doing weekly episodes so make sure to email him any questions you would like him to answer on the podcast(apexvaulting@gmail.com. This week's episode covers the amazing results that are heating up this Winter Track season! He also discusses how you can grow your club and help more athletes!2021-02-0643 minThe Apex Vaulting PodcastEpisode 91: Colin WaitzmanPodcast host of Innovators Anonymous and Track World News Colin Waitzman joins the podcast to discuss some of the decisions made recently about high school and college track during this wild year of 2020. Does track leadership have a distance bias? Is a DISTANCE BIAS what prevents the sport of track from growing?2020-12-211h 26The Apex Vaulting PodcastEpisode 90: Robert PlumbRobert Plumb joins the podcast to discuss a recent video posted on Apex Social Media. The video is an analysis of straight pole era jumping and elements of straight pole technique that can be applied today. We also discuss what we mean at Apex when we say pull. Hopefully this sheds some light on what we try and teach at Apex.2020-12-121h 32The Apex Vaulting PodcastEpisode 89: 4 Stages of CompetenceBranko does a solo episode and discusses how to help athletes develop as pole vaulters by identifying what stage of competence they are in. It is a must listen for all coaches.2020-11-1428 minThe Apex Vaulting PodcastEpisode 88: Tim ReillyCoach Tim Reilly of the North West Pole Vault Club joins the podcast to discuss the importance of a coaching system to the development of athletes. Coach Reilly is one of the most successful high school club coaches in recent years. Enjoy the podcast!2020-08-3149 minThe Apex Vaulting PodcastEpisdoe 87: Jack RheaJack Rhea joins the podcast to discuss his pole vault journey through college. Jack would join the Tennessee Volunteers program with a 15'7" pr and end up jumping 17'3". Jack has a maturity and insight that is rare for a 21 year old man. Great episode!2020-06-161h 09
Innovators AnonymousThe Future of Track and Field with ApexIn this episode we sit down with pole vault coach and Owner of Apex Pole Vaulting Club, Branko Miric. We get into the issues of a televised track meet (7:00) and ask the question, why are their no rivalries in our sport (9:00)? We then get into the 2020 Olympics getting postponed (15:00) and who we think will take home gold in the men's and women's pole vault (27:16). After that, we talk about proper goal setting (44:15), and Branko's controversial lifting philosophy (50:10). we then finish up the episode covering the importance of cross training in sports (1:05:00) and what it takes to be mentally tough (1:09:45...2020-06-041h 29The Apex Vaulting PodcastEpisode 86: Matt Barry PV AtlantaMatt Barry of Pole Vault Atlanta joins the podcast. We discuss what reopening a pole vault club might look like depending on your region and situation. We also discuss the importance of viewing coaching through an education lens. Awesome episode! Enjoy!2020-05-201h 27The Apex Vaulting PodcastEpisode 85: Jeff CooverJeff Coover joins the podcast to discuss The Ultimate Garden Clash, where Renaud Lavillenie, Mondo Duplantis, and Sam Kendricks competed to see who could clear 16'4" the most times. We discuss the tie, what was good, and what could be better. We also go off on many tangents and discuss a slew of topics. Great conversation, enjoy!2020-05-041h 15The Apex Vaulting PodcastEpisode 84: Sondre GuttormsenSondre Guttormsen of Norway and UCLA joins the podcast. Sondre has jumped 5.80 (19'1/4") t the age of 20! Sondre introduces us to how he began pole vaulting in Norway and how the sports system in Norway differs from America. Sondre also walks us through an injury he dealt with his freshman year at UCLA and how he feels his strength and conditioning program helps keep him fit and fast, as well as prevent injuries. We also discuss what technical things he's working on and what parts of the vault he likes from some of his favorite vaulters of all time. Great...2020-04-261h 06The Apex Vaulting PodcastEpisode 83: The Ultimate Pole Vault ClubLivio and Rosario join the Apex Vaulting Podcast and discuss how they stated their club and how it grew to a 60 plus athlete club. Their perspectives on culture, maturity, and respect as it relates to pole vault clubs and coaching are to be admired. The positivity and joy they bring to the table is amazing! Enjoy!2020-04-241h 06The Apex Vaulting PodcastEpisode 82: Nick HomanMy friend and 17'9" vaulter Nick Homan joins the podcast and opens up about his medical battles the last few months. Just as Covid-19 was shutting down the world Nick started feeling numbness in his back and abdomen and losing strength in his legs. He went from one hospital to the next and had countless tests done. I hope listening to Nick and his positivity through this all can inspire us all to look for the positives we have in our lives. Also Nick's medical bills are huge, and if you find that you would like to help, please reach...2020-04-2242 minThe Apex Vaulting PodcastEpisode 70: Doug HouserDoug Houser of Vertical Assault joins the podcast again. Doug and Branko discuss how things other than technique can help create a safe and successful club. They discuss the impact of culture, and promoting hard work over results alone. They also discuss the importance of competing on the runway but working together off the runway with other coaches, clubs, and programs to grow the sport outside of what already exists. How do we bring new people, young and old to our sport and how important club meets between various programs are to the growth of the sport. As always feel...2019-11-161h 12The Apex Vaulting PodcastEpisode 63: Branko Miric Coaching PhilosophyBranko does a podcast solo! He discusses coaching philosophy, and how it guides the development as a coach. Don't get caught up playing that adjustment game!2019-08-2340 minThe Apex Vaulting PodcastEpiosde 60: Pete RoachWant to know what a ride to a meet is like? Well check out episode 60 with Pete Roach. Learn how Pete became a pole vaulter and listen to Branko and Pete trying to figure out all the pole vault problems. Lol Enjoy!2019-05-271h 07The Apex Vaulting PodcastEpisode 57 Chris ChappellBranko sits down with Chris Chappell of UCS to discuss a little of the history of the company, how the poles are made and how things like sail pieces impact the poles you use. Great epsiode!2019-02-261h 00The Apex Vaulting PodcastEpisode 56: Jax WilliamsBranko talks to Jax Williams about her journey from a 10'9" high school vaulter to working on her PHD in Chemistry all while continuing her training and jumping 14'5". Who said you can't have brains and brawn!
This episode of the podcast is inspiration to anyone tackling a heavy course load, dealing with working full time, and still training.2019-02-0354 minThe Apex Vaulting PodcastMid Chart RantDo you use Dj's mid chart? Have you ever looked at all the info on DJ's Mid Chart? Branko explains how you can use more than just mids from the mid chart to help you coach your athletes to be the best vaulters they can be!2019-02-0305 minThe Apex Vaulting PodcastEpisode 55: Fleigle's FlyersBranko sits down with club coaches Matt and Esther Fleigle at the Reno Pole Vault Summit. They discuss what its like coaching in Minnesota, and Branko thought Jersey winters were tough, as well as what they think club coaches need or should do for their members, like attending meets.
Oh and that Reno Pole Summit was pretty cool too. Hahahah2019-01-2737 minThe Apex Vaulting PodcastEpisode 52: Chris TutelaBranko sits down with Chris Tutela, owner of Tutela Training Systems. They discuss why someone would start their own gym, this is a must listen for people who are thinking about starting their own pole vaulting club. In the second half of the podcast Chris discusses his thoughts on training athletes. Enjoy!2018-11-3045 minThe Apex Vaulting PodcastEpisode 50: Calvin HartmanBranko discusses training and perspective with Calvin Hartman. People often offer advice in the pole vault, but not in context. People often discuss growing the sport, but then turn athletes away. Whats going on?2018-11-1246 minThe Apex Vaulting PodcastEpisode 49: Nick HomanNick Homan, @that_tattooed_vaulter on Instagram, joins the podcast and discusses how he managed to connect with Branko and how social media is a great asset to connect people in the pole vault community. They also discuss how social media will literally make coaches and athletes more accountable as well as drive competition not only between athletes, but also coaches and coaching systems which will help grow our sport. Enjoy.2018-10-181h 10The Apex Vaulting PodcastEpisode 48: Value RantBranko discusses the value of pole vault! What are the values, instruction, learning to deal with failure, but how do we let people know about the value of pole vault?2018-10-0511 minThe Apex Vaulting PodcastEpisode 46 Stop being Romantic about the VaultBranko rants about the Pole Vault today. Stop worrying about hitting the perfect position or doing the perfect workout. Try new things and see what works for you!2018-09-2604 minThe Apex Vaulting PodcastEpisode 44: Jeff CooverJeff Coover joins the podcast and discusses the reality of jumping post collegiate: travel, access to equipment, facilities, etc. Jeff and Branko also discuss how the sport can grow and the difference between diamond league meets and the atmosphere at American meets. They also talk about Renaud Lavillenie.2018-08-2858 minThe Apex Vaulting PodcastEpisode 43: Tianna BartolettaTianna Bartoletta joins Branko on the podcast. Tianna is the 2005 World Champ and the 2016 Olympic Champ in the Women's Long Jump. She discusses social media and how being honest and telling your story is important for engaging with the track community and growing the sport. We are so happy that Tianna was able to join us this is a must listen, her story of early success and then commitment through tough times is one everyone can benefit from. Tianna's book Gravity will be out soon make sure to check it out! Check out her social media blog: theycallmetb.com website...2018-08-2442 minThe Apex Vaulting PodcastEpisode 42: Calvin HartmanBranko sits down with Calvin Hartman and discusses the importance and value of strength training for pole vaulters. They cover some common misconceptions people have about strength training and why people neglect it in the sport of Pole Vault. Don't miss out on a way to get better, start strength training today!2018-08-151h 00The Apex Vaulting PodcastEpisode 41: Jacob SandersBranko talks with Jacob Sanders who was inspired by the podcast to start a pole vault club in Maryland, Sandstorm Vault Club. They discuss how pole vault clubs impact the participation rate of our event, and how much easier it is to get clients in pole vault due to the demand. Check it out!2018-08-1558 minThe Apex Vaulting PodcastEpisode 40: Dan ReynoldsBranko sits down with Dan Reynolds, 16'8" pole vaulter and fan of the podcast. Branko discusses how the pole vault community was able to grow so big in, of all places, Rochester, NY. Anyone who isn't aware Rochester is in upstate New York and has brutal winters. You would think Pole Vault could only grow in places like California where outdoor jumping is possible all year round. Dan discusses how many times clubs had to make due with what equipment and facilities they had. This podcast brings home the idea that there are no excuses. Make it happen!2018-08-1458 minThe Apex Vaulting PodcastEpisode 39: Andy NageotteBranko speaks with Andy Nageotte who is a long time track fan and recently put out a tweet that got more engagement with track fans than our sports governing bodies get. We discuss a more in depth look at what are the important performance numbers in the pole vault and what really determines who the best athlete is. Our sport is much deeper than just who jumps the highest! Is consistency the key? Have a listen!2018-07-2456 minThe Apex Vaulting PodcastEpisode 38: Mike PascuzzoBranko sits down with former professional high jumper and current meet director and promoter extraordinaire Mike Pascuzzo! Mike has been running the Jersey Jumps Beach Vault for the past 10 years. They discuss the work and effort required to run a successful pole vault event that people enjoy and makes money.2018-07-2149 minThe Apex Vaulting PodcastEpisode 37: Calvin GouldBranko sits down with Calvin and discusses the difficulties with plateaus and how to overcome them. They discuss the binary option after a bad meet, you can quit or keep working. A must listen for anyone that has gone some time without a pr.2018-07-1737 minThe Apex Vaulting PodcastSocial Media and Growing the SportBranko discusses social media and the role in can have in growing the sport. He also addresses concerns many have over posting on social media.2018-07-1607 minThe Apex Vaulting PodcastEpisode 36: Josh WinderBranko discusses the Winder Up way with Josh Winder. They discuss how mentality, focus, and process played a role for Josh in overcoming a torn rotator cuff injury to pr and become a Division III national champ. We also discuss how important process becomes especially when you consider having to scale practices for multiple athletes. A must listen.2018-07-111h 06The Apex Vaulting PodcastEpisode 35: Mike SullivanBranko sits down with Coach Mike Sullivan who is the quarterbacks coach for the Denver Broncos. They discuss coaching philosophies and how to stay flexible with coaching to continue to grow and develop. "Fixation is the way of death, Fluidity is the way of life" - Musashi2018-06-291h 05The Apex Vaulting PodcastEpisode 34: Lilly BrownBranko sits down with Lilly Brown recent high school graduate and 11'7" pole vaulter at Apex, and discusses how injuries can be overcome through strength training and how strength training can prevent injury as well!2018-06-2946 minThe Apex Vaulting PodcastEpisode 33: Noah KaminskyBranko sits down with Noah and discusses high school track and some goals that coaches need to have in mind. Athletes come first!2018-06-291h 00The Apex Vaulting PodcastEpisode 32: Doug HouserBranko sits down with Doug Houser, coach of Vertical Assault. They discuss the concept of coaching skills and teaching athletes through drills and progressions that lay down the foundation for pole vaulters to understand pole speed and swing speed. Doug and Branko also discuss their early mistakes as coaches and discuss the evolution of coaching after coaching 100 athletes a season for the last few years.2018-06-161h 17The Apex Vaulting PodcastEpisode 31: Brad Hoey and creating a communityBranko discusses the idea of creating a community with former Apex Vaulting member Brad Hoey. Brad joined the club with an 11'6" pr after his sophomore year of high school and ended up jumping 15'3". Brad discusses how he found the vault and why he loved it so much.2018-06-0844 minThe Apex Vaulting PodcastEpisode 30: Mid Chart and a HS PerspectiveBranko sits down with Robert Plumb, a high school pole vaulter at Apex, for a second discussion. Robert and Branko discuss mid marks, and various other topics that focus on a high schooler's perspective of the sport.2018-06-0840 minThe Apex Vaulting PodcastEpisode 29: Robert Plumb and Haden WilliamsBranko talks to Rob Plumb, a high school junior who attends Apex Vaulting and jumps 12'6" with 11'9" grip, and Haden Williams who has been getting help from Branko through some free online coaching. Haden has gone from 10'6" to 12'6" in about a month. These athletes and Branko discuss the lack of content and the amount of people that need help in the pole vault world.2018-05-2230 minThe Apex Vaulting PodcastEpisode 27 Mike LawrykBranko has his first phone podcast with Mike Lawryk the founder of Vertical Assault and coach of sevral national champs and national records across the high school and collegiate levels. They discuss how to create a system when coaching to guide the development of athletes. Enjoy!2018-04-041h 29The Apex Vaulting PodcastEpisode 26: Gabby MercurioBranko sits down with long time Apex club member Gabby Mercurio, the Gabby of Gabby's line, and they discuss training and the importance of tracking data to prevent plateaus. The technical and physical aspects of training require record keeping in order to keep a handle of whether or not you are getting better or worse.2018-03-171h 09The Apex Vaulting PodcastEpisode 24: USA's RecapBranko Miric sits down with Joe Oliveri and recaps the thrilling USA's Championship weekend. They go over Katie Nageotte's amazing day and victory as well as Scott Houston's win as well. There is also a coaching tip covered at the end of the episode as well.2018-02-2354 minThe Apex Vaulting PodcastEpisode 21: Marlee SabatinoBranko sits down with Harvard senior and pole vault school record holder Marlee Sabatino to talk about how pole consistency affects athletes and coaches, midmarks, and the importance of easing off the throttle to work on technical aspects of the vault.2018-01-041h 06The Apex Vaulting PodcastEpisode 20: Joe "JoeBro" OliveriBranko and Joe sit down to discuss the concept of an "industry standard" that applies to the pole vault as far as technique, training, and the sport as a whole.2017-11-191h 56The Apex Vaulting PodcastEpisode 19: Craig Van Leeuwen and Billy FrederickWith a little over a year between Episode 0 and now, Branko sits down with Craig Van Leeuwen and Billy Frederick to review the beginnings of the podcast and where its brought us today. They also discuss some topical aspects of our sport today such as tapping and lifting.2017-11-121h 10The Apex Vaulting PodcastEpisode 18: Las VegasA meeting of the minds straight from Sin City itself. In this guest packed episode Branko talks with Shawn Francis, Michael Cyphers, April Steiner Bennett, and Sandi Morris about the where the pole vault community is and where it should be going.2017-10-101h 04The Apex Vaulting PodcastEpisode 16, Part I: Tray OatesFrom Birmingham, Alabama, the first part of a two part episode Branko recorded with Samford pole vaulter and USATF Championships 8th place finisher Tray Oates. They talk about how pole vaulting is presented on social media, how Tray got to where he is today, lifting vs. not, and much more.2017-08-231h 21The Apex Vaulting PodcastMeet Companion: 2017 IAAF World ChampionshipsIf you missed anything on the Instagram live stream with Branko and JoeBro the whole companion is right here. Was there a part you wish you could go back to and listen to again? All three hours of it is available for listening.2017-08-152h 51The Apex Vaulting PodcastEpisode 15: Joe "JoeBro" OliveriThis episode Branko sits down with Joe Oliveri, JoeBro391 on Instagram, and the announcer of the upcoming Pole Vault Club Championship. They discuss using the Internet as a resource for coaching, the line with critiquing elite athletes, the way track and field is marketed, and much more. Definitely a must listen!2017-06-2755 minThe Apex Vaulting PodcastEpisode 14: Linda Van LeeuwenIn this highly informative episode Branko sits down with physical therapist and distance runner Linda Van Leeuwen to get into what is happening with the most common injuries that plague vaulters and track athletes in general and what to do about them. To ice, or not to ice, that is the question...2017-06-1049 minThe Apex Vaulting PodcastEpisode 13: Katerina StefanidiFrom NCAA D3 Nationals Branko sits down with Katerina Stefanidi 2016 Olympic Gold Medalist in the Women's Pole Vault. They discuss the nature of progress as an athlete at difference experience levels, the importance of a technical approach to all aspects of the vault, fostering competitiveness in track and field, and much more!2017-05-3052 minThe Apex Vaulting PodcastEpisode 12: Andrew FloresIn this episode Branko sits down with Apex Saturday Session coach Andrew Flores and go deep into the technical aspects of coaching. Everything from the run to the relationship between grip and mid-mark (what?!?!) is all explained and more in this spiritual successor to Episode 3.2017-05-161h 12The Apex Vaulting PodcastEpisode 11: Shawn FrancisThe second episode from Mall Vault! Branko sits down with Shawn Francis to discuss training and his journey in the pole vault and where that has led him.2017-04-0340 minThe Apex Vaulting PodcastEpisode 10: Scott Houston, Jill Marios, and Mike CyphersFrom the Mall Vault in Scranton, PA, Branko talks to Scott, Jill, and Mike about the pros and cons of collegiate pole vault as well as the level of competition at vault-exclusive meets.2017-03-3034 minThe Apex Vaulting PodcastEpisode 9: Steven Yeung and Calvin HartmanIn this episode Branko sits down with RIT pole vaulter Steven Yeung and Ramapo vaulter Calvin Hartman for a recap after Nationals. They also discuss motivation, passion, and achieving happiness and success in sports and in life.2017-03-2049 minThe Apex Vaulting PodcastEpisode 8: Andy Fetzner and Ed JaskulskiFrom Division III Indoor Nationals Branko sits down with SUNY Brockport coaches Ed Jaskulski and Andy Fetzner. Ed is the throws coach as well as the strength and conditioning coach, and Andy coaches the pole vault at Brockport.2017-03-1351 minThe Apex Vaulting PodcastEpisode 7: Katie NageotteFrom Akron, Ohio, Branko discusses the difficulties of training as a post-collegiate athlete with Katie Nageotte. Katie is a professional pole vaulter who ranked at 16th in the world for the 2016 indoor season and tied for fifth at the 2016 US Olympic Trials.2017-01-081h 13The Apex Vaulting PodcastEpisode 6: Calvin HartmanIn this episode Branko discusses the importance of building strength, keeping track of data, and tailoring training to the season with Apex Vaulting and Ramapo College pole vaulter Calvin Hartman.2016-12-281h 01The Apex Vaulting PodcastEpisode 5: Mike LawrykIn this episode Branko sits down with Vertical Assault coach Mike Lawyrk. Vertical Assault is a very successful pole vaulting club in Pennsylvania. Branko and Mike discuss how to develop a coaching system and coaching style for both a club and a college team.2016-10-311h 07
The Apex Vaulting PodcastEpisode 4: Jason ChurchIn this episode Branko Miric sits down with Jason Church, the current pole vault and jumps coach at Southern Regional High School in New Jersey where he has coached a State Champion. He is also a former college coach who has produced a NCAA Division II National Champion and 2000 Olympic Trials qualifier. On the podcast Branko and Jason talk about the current club-high school dynamic as well as the major difference between coaching collegiate athletes and high school athletes.2016-10-141h 08
The Apex Vaulting PodcastEpisode 3: Andrew FloresOn this episode of the podcast Branko Miric sits down with post-collegiate Apex athlete Andrew Flores to discuss pole vaulting as sport that mirrors life and teaches valuable life skills as well as the effects of attitude on training and competition.2016-09-251h 01
The Apex Vaulting PodcastEpisode 2: Jim BemillerApex Vaulting coach Branko Miric sits down with former University of Tennessee pole vault coach Jim Bemiller to discuss coaching philosophies and the recent Olympics. Jim coached Lawrence Johnson and Tim Mack as students at the University of Tennessee, the latter of which he coached to a Gold Medal at the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens. Jim also teaches undergraduate and graduate courses in sports law and sports governance at the University of Tennessee.2016-09-121h 12
The Apex Vaulting PodcastEpisode 1: Roman BotcharnikovApex Vaulting coach Branko Miric sits down for a highly technical discussion with Roman Botcharnikov. Roman coached Olympic Silver Medalist Lawrence Johnson to a Silver Medal in the 2000 Olympic Games in Sydney. He has also developed the M640 pole vault model which he discusses in detail.2016-09-121h 03
The Apex Vaulting PodcastEpisode 0: Introduction to the Apex Vaulting PodcastApex Vaulting coach Branko Miric sits down with club athletes Calvin Gould and Lilly Brown to introduce the Apex Vaulting Podcast and discuss the dynamic between club coaches and high school coaches as well as the difference between jumping and training.2016-09-0429 min