Adrian Diem ‘25 and Robby Bright ‘25 are seniors who pole vault during the winter and spring track seasons. Since their freshman year, they have been the integral pole-vaulting duo of the GA track and field team. Across their multiple years in the program, they have succeeded in many different meets.
Throughout their time pole-vaulting at GA, they have also learned important lessons that apply to other areas.
“It’s both physically and mentally demanding because losing focus for an instance or making a small mistake can create danger,” Bright said. “Every single action in a jump is important. So, I’ve learned how to focus on small details and effectively apply them.”
“It taught me hard work and dedication,” Diem said. “Consistency in practice is the key to success.”
Both athletes have jumped over 14 feet and have found a lot of recent success in meets such as the Ursinus Bears Invitational and the Kutztown Invitational.
“I’m really hoping to break that [school] record in one of these seasons – that’s one of my main motivations,” Diem said. “My recent success has signaled that I’m on the right track.”
Both also credit their pole vaulting successes to the help and support of their teammates and coaches, as well as the friendly competition that takes place.
“Adrian has been a big piece in my development as a vaulter by supporting me through coaching,” Bright said. “But there’s also been a rivalry since we started as freshmen, and I think it’s pushed both me and him to improve over the years.”
“My teammates are great – Robby, Lorelai, and Zoe. They make practice really fun and push me to get better. Everyone loves to help and coach each other to improve our jumps,” Diem said. “Coach Moll and Coach Jared push me to be better and I’m always ready to learn from and listen to them.”
They also have a lot of highlights from the season, including numerous first-place finishes at meets, coming close to the indoor school record of 16 feet.
Track coach Mr. Steve Moll has also been very important to their growth in the sport, and his guidance and support are something they both credit as a driving force for their success.
“Mr. Moll has supported me by just advocating for me to go to various meets,” Diem said. “Additionally, he has been very understanding even when I’m not able to compete–he listens.”
“He’s been really great at being flexible as head coach,” Bright said. “He’s really good at giving us time and making sure the rest of the team gives us space to train.”
As the winter track season comes to a close, Adrian and Robby are looking forward to competing in the spring season. Furthermore, they will continue their vaulting career in coll_ege as committed athletes: Diem at the University of Chicago and Bright at Emory University.