My Life
How I got into pole vaulting :
Howdy! My name is Sean Christopher Young. I was born and raised in a small town on the east coast of Florida called Titusville. Surrounded by woods and water, there was plenty to do as a kid. I pretty much played every sport including baseball, football, swimming, gymnastics, and track and field...you name it, I loved it. I grew up with two brothers. Ryan, who is a few years older than I am, and Aaron, who is a few years younger. I also have a beautiful baby sister, Lacey, and my parents Sam and Brenda Gheen, and Kevin and Stephanie Young. They all have had a huge impact on my life and led me where I am today. Thank you all so much! I love you guys!
High School: PR- 15'6
My first year at Astronaut High School, I spent most of my time focusing on football and track and field. As a track athlete I competed in the 200m, 400m, 300h, 4 X 100, 4 X 400. I never really thought about the pole vault. The head track coach for the War Eagles, Tom Bundy suggested I try pole vaulting. I had no previous history or knowledge of the vault but it sounded fun. Coach Bundy pulled me aside one day after a track workout and pointed me in the direction of the pit. After a short talk with the vault coach Charlie Shrum, I was on the runway and in the air. I picked up on the idea of running down the runway with a pole, planting it in the box and jumping very quickly. The first bar I cleared that week was nine feet and I was on my way to where I am now.
As a freshman I went on to jumping 10'6", competing in the district meet and breaking my arm after missing the mat. Needless to say I had lots to learn. Going into sophomore year, I had lots of suggestions to try another event but I wanted to give it another shot. Healthy and eager to learn, I ended up breaking the sophomore record, winning conference and bettering my personal record to 13'6". Junior year was a great year, coming in with more understanding and experience in the vault I broke the school record with 14'8", won conference, district and placed 5th at regionals. Senior year was another great year, I jumped and bettered the school record to 15'6", won conference, district and regional championships and placed 2nd at the FL State meet finals.
College Days: PR 17'2 - 5.25 M
I graduated from the University of South Florida in May of 2010 with a Bachelors in Criminology. During college I broke the indoor school record in 2008 as the Big East Champion and made second team All American. I coached the pole vault at University of South Florida with Coach Don Marsh, as a volunteer for 7 years, while still training and competing for myself. I planned on taking a semester off after graduation and continuing with a masters and a career in Law Enforcement. However, I have been side tracked by my true passion. I have been very fortunate to have this opportunity to work with athletes and coaches at this level.
Post Collegiate: PR 18'3 - 5.56M
Qualified for the 2013 USA Outdoor Championships
Missed the olympic standard by 4 cm in 2012 and 2016
My friends and family play a huge part in my life. I could not be more happy with where I am today. I have been given this opportunity, to chase my dream and give it everything I have so I will walk away with no regrets. I could not have done it without the support I have behind me, thank you Momma and Sam for all the support and the opportunity to live the dream. I would not have had this chance without you. Thank you Daddy and Stephanie for believing in me. I am truly blessed.
And thank you Coach Marsh for taking me under your wing and allowing me to work for you these past seven years and with you. It truly has been a pleasure, you have been like a father to me.
Basic Info:
Name: Sean Christopher Young
Birthday: December 27, 1985
Born in: Titusville, FL
Height: 5'11 3/4"
Weight: 172lbs
Hobbies: hunting, pole vaulting, surfing, scuba diving, 4wheeling, fishing
Movies: "Endless Summer", "Australia", "300", "Lord of the Rings"...o and "MONSTER BUCKS"
Pr list:
2 left: 13'3" 2019
3 lefts: 15' 2011
4 lefts: 16'9" 2011
5 lefts: 16'10" 2011
6 lefts: 17'5" 2013*
7 lefts: 17'2 3/4 2008
8 lefts: 17'11" 2012
9 lefts: 18'2 3/4" 2013**
Contact Info:
321-266-8916