Perhaps too often nowadays the great track and field events are overlooked. Sure every four years during the summer Olympics, sports radio will give them a little bit of time but by and large the events which are in no uncertain terms are classics don’t get the proper due that they deserve.
Now, I can’t change that, however I feel compelled to take a look at a truly remarkable pole vaulter in this sports legend of the ville segment.
Chip Heuser quickly made a name for himself at his alma mater of St. Xavier, being named the Kentucky high school athlete of the year in 2003. In addition, Heuser was a three-time All American and state champion.
With these accolades Heuser had generated a lot of attention from colleges, and the athlete signed on with the University of Florida to join up with the Gators in 2004, in addition to his studies Heuser became the USA Junior National Champion.
However, the Pole Vaulter decided to make a switch in 2005, moving west to join the Oklahoma Sooners. While in Oklahoma Heuser became an NCAA outdoor All-American and earned a number of other accolades.
Today, Heuser still competes as a pole vaulter around Louisville, recently suiting up for the Mason Dixon Games last March at Broadbent Arena, however Heuser is probably best known in recent months as the founder of the Vault in the Ville event, which brings out Pole Vaulters from all over the country.
“The Vault’s” inaugural year occurred last June at Fourth Street Live and included sixteen vaulters, the profits from which went to benefit The Heuser Clinic, an organization founded by Heuser’s parents, Louis and Peggy. Working closely with the Louisville Sports Commission with “the Vault” event, Heuser has been working with that organization frequently towards local charity since then.
Outside Sources
Image courtesy of The Heuser Clinic
