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Austin Pole Vault and Throws is the first indoor training facility in the greater Austin metro area. It is a world class facility with two 110+ foot runways and international-size pole vault pits. In addition, our throws area is cutting edge, with an official aluminum discus ring and a separate, dedicated shot put throwing area with toe board and circle. All with NCAA Div. I experience, our coaches represent Washington State, Texas A&M, and Texas State, where they earned both conference titles and national rankings. Most importantly, we are passionate about helping athletes reach and exceed their potential as future pole vaulters and throwers while they have fun doing it! Our vision is to foster a culture of athletic excellence.

Indoor Throws

Reasons to Try Austin Pole Vault and Throws

Convenience

Austin Pole Vault and Throws is located in the North Austin/Pflugerville area with easy access to I-35, Hwy 130, and Hwy 45.

Family Oriented

We have a family approach of working hard together to bring out the best in every athlete and coach.

Experience

All of our coaches are former Division 1 NCAA athletes with a passion to help others reach their dreams.

Safety

Vaulters are coached to have a safe early plant. We never compromise on the safety of our athletes.

Comprehensive

So often throwers are coached to improve distance while ignoring technique. We focus on technique, footwork, and balance in addition to distance.

Indoors

We are the only indoor training facility for pole vault and throws disciplines in the greater Austin area.

Our Team

Ben Ploetz

Ben Ploetz

Co-Owner and Head Coach
My passion for track and field started in high school when I got to watch my older brother pole vault and run hurdles. Before I knew it, we were both competing for the Bobcats at Southwest Texas State University. During my time as a Bobcat, I was a three-time All-Conference Decathlete and two-time Conference Champion…
Brandon Frye

Brandon Frye

Co-Owner
Brandon Frye has 20 years of experience as an entrepreneur and as an executive. Before embarking into the entrepreneur world, attended the nationally-ranked Business School at the University of Texas in Austin. Along with professional life, lifelong involvement in athletics, including 20+ triathlons and completing the Iron Man Triathlon in Arizona…
Brian Elmore

Brian Elmore

Pole Vault Instructor
Coach Brian Elmore is a long-standing pillar in the pole vault community. In the fall of 2000, University of Texas coach Dana Boone asked Brian if he would assist her in starting a women's vault team. The program got going, starting with just one young lady and a couple of poles. He coached the first UT female Big 12 pole vault champion, and went on a run of 8 consecutive Big 12 victories including multiple records in indoor and outdoor pole vaulting. During that time Brian also coached UT’s first female NCAA pole vault champion and NCAA indoor record holder. Prior to the University of Texas, he served as a coach of the Austin Striders from ’91-’94. In '97 Brian founded Lone Star Pole Vaulting and went on to produce 5 UIL State Champions, 1 UIL record holder, 2 USATF Junior Olympic Champions, and 6 AAU Junior Olympic Champions.
Ben Skrla

Ben Skrla

Throwing Coach
Ben’s accomplishments at Texas A&M placed him in the top of the field. His personal bests were 178’ in the discus, 170’ in the hammer, and 61’ in the weight throw. He qualified for regionals in all 4 years of competition in the discus and finished as high as 9th place at the SEC Championships. Ben is a graduate of both Texas A&M and Rice University.
Jamie Riojas

Jamie Riojas

Throwing Coach
Athletics was always a part of my life growing up and I was four sport athlete in high school. I attended Texas A&M from 2001-2005 where I was a four-year Lettermen in the discus, shot put, hammer, and weight throw. During my time there I as a Big X11 All-Conference discus thrower who qualified for Nationals in 2003 with a personal best of 172.4…

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