John Trevett Vaults Back Into Track and Field Scene

Milbank High School alumnus, John Trevett, has been hired to coach the newly added track and field event, pole vault, this season. His supplemental contract was approved by the Milbank School District Board of Education Monday, March 13, at its regular meeting.

“Pole vault was a passion for me, so I’m looking forward to teaching kids how to do it,” Trevett says. “I always wanted to coach, I just chose a different path in life.”

Trevett currently holds the boys pole vault school record for MHS. He recalls setting the record during his junior year (1981) at a home meet at the old stadium. “I remember I used a green 16-foot pole that had been broken off at the bottom. We put a new bottom on and taped it all up. My pole was 13 feet 3 inches and people laughed because I had to go higher than my pole to set the record at 13-7.”

He began pole vaulting in the seventh grade. Bob Huber was the head track coach then, and Trevett says he became his mentor. “Bob would always tell people ‘I knew this wiry kid was going to be perfect for pole vaulting, because when he got flung into the pit he laughed the whole time.’ And he was right. I did enjoy the thrill. It’s a unique experience when you learn to fly through the air and ride a pole that you put a bend on.”

Trevett also recalls that he and two other pole vaulters would practice behind the armory bleachers where the gymnastics team had practiced. “There was an old metal box bolted to the ground – a surface mount – which was not ideal for pole vaulting. We would start running down the runway and Mr. Huber would grab the pole, bend it, and fling us into the pit.”

Trevett was also a state wrestler in high school. He placed fourth at the state wrestling tournament his junior year and was the runner-up at the 167-pound weight class as a senior. He also captured the Northeast Conference title both years as well. Trevett was an All-American linebacker. He was recruited to play football for the University of Minnesota. “I choose to go to a smaller college and not play football,” he says. “I knew I was big enough, but my mindset was about my future. I wanted to be able to walk by the the age I am now.”

He was recruited to play football for the University of Minnesota. “I choose to go to a smaller college and not play football,” he says. “I knew I was big enough, but my mindset was about my future. I wanted to be able to walk by the age I am now.”

Trevett attended Northern State University in Aberdeen and was offered a wrestling scholarship. He went on to become an All-American wrestler at NSU in 1986 and was ranked #1 in the nation at 177 pounds. “That year, I moved up a weight class so another wrestler could be brought in to score more points. So, I ended up finishing seventh individually and the team took second.”

At NSU, Bob Wauks was the track coach and he knew Trevett had pole vaulted in high school. “He recruited me to pole vault for him. Since it was a passion of mine – I did it for two years. My personal best was 14-6, but I was the only one who vaulted for NSU. Budget restrictions forced an early end to that part of my career.”

Trevett says he is looking forward to coaching and giving back to a sport he loves. “My priority is to teach the kids safety above all else. It’s going to take time to fully teach the concept of the event, but if we can get a few kids ready to compete later in the season, that will be a good start.”

Trevett also says this first year will be a break-in year. “It takes a special kind of person to pole vault. You have to have speed to run with the pole, hand strength to keep a good grip, be a little daring, and be ready for a ride when you get shot out of a catapult. Pole vaulting is a whole different animal, but once you get it, it’s fun!”

Track and field practice began today. The first few weeks consist of indoor training and learning the fundamentals. Trevett says, “The first time we get to practice outside at the Ortonville facility will be very exciting.”