The “Pit Crew” has reached new heights. As of December, the pole vault athletes have been using a new indoor pole vault pit they constructed in the gymnasium of the former Bunker Hill School.

Pole vaulting, like many other sports, is not safe under the rainy and windy weather common in Coos Bay. Pole vault coach Steve Puckett said the indoor pit was necessary to accommodate the athletes during the winter season.

To be able to occupy the gym for their practices, Puckett worked together with Mary Joe Golder to get permission.

“Mary Joe suggested that we used this gym and then she actually went and talked to the superintendent,” Puckett said.

Since it is considered a school function, it did not cost the team any money to use the gym, but the athletes can only practice around one to two times a week in order to prevent costly electricity bills.

Sophomores Hunter Drops and Taylor Mckee are two of the athletes who have taken advantage of the new pit. According to Drops, the pit is positively contributing to the team.

“It has gotten us real good practice,” Drops said. “We’ve been able to vault even when it’s been raining or hailing outside.”

Mckee said the early start will benefit the team. The pit has allowed the team to start practicing a month earlier than they normally would.

“It’s nice to have it set up so we can practice earlier [in the year], and so I can get my steps down,” Mckee said.

Along with Drops and Mckee, fellow sophomores Jesse Golder and Taylor Johnson  helped Puckett set the pit up. The pit is the same pit that is used for meets. It was taken apart and moved to the gym and will be moved back as soon as the weather is consistently clear.

When they are not using the indoor pit, Drops, Golder and Johnson benefit from working on gymnastics at the Boys and Girls Club twice a week. According to Puckett, pole vault is similar to a gymnastics event, and when they practice gymnastics it develops coordination, flexibility and strength.

Drops and Golder were first put to the test this year at an indoor pole vault pit competition in Reno, Nevada on Jan. 17 and 18. Drops reached 13 feet, four inches, and Golder at nine feet, 10 inches. Golder said the competition made him excited for the upcoming season.

“It’s probably the biggest event I’ve been to personally and it was just really exciting to be in that kind of environment,” Golder said.

This upcoming track season is looking promising, according to Drops. The pole vault team also includes seniors Nicole Norton and Larissa Norton and junior Taylor Mauer.

“We don’t have a lot of numbers in pole vault this year, but we have some good quality athletes,” Drops said. “All of our vaulters are young too so we’re going to be good the next few years.”

Puckett expects Drops to be in the top two in state this year, with hopes that he can jump in the high 15s or 16. Mauer led the girls team last year, jumping at 10 feet. Puckett expects she could be in the top three for state.

“They’re fun to work with,” Puckett said. “They work hard, and the hard work will pay off.”