Ryan ChartrandCal Poly senior pole vaulter Adrian Ruark, considered a contender to qualify for nationals this year, injured his left ankle at the Washington Indoor Invitational three weeks ago.
Ruark’s ankle suffered five fractures and torn ligaments, muscles and tendons after a fall during his 16-foot opening jump, in what he called a freak accident.
“I’ve done that exact same fall a thousand times, but normally there are pads there instead of wood,” he said.
The spikes of Ruark’s shoe caught the wood on his way down while his ankle was still moving, causing it to snap.
Ruark came into the season ranked 15th in the nation and was expected to help lead his teammates to a Big West Conference win.
“We have a really good chance to win conference this year,” Cal Poly junior pole vaulter James Nunno said. “Every point counts. Not having points from Adrian would have a huge effect on us.”
Ruark’s doctors do not yet know if he will need surgery or how long his recovery process will be, although he is hoping to return to pole vaulting by April.
“March is all entry-level meets that I can afford to miss,” Ruark said. “April is the month with all the biggest meets. If I miss those, it’s going to be a challenge to get back.”
Ruark did not qualify for nationals last year despite vaulting 17 feet, 3 inches and placing first at the conference meet.
“My first year at Cal Poly, I placed eighth at regionals and missed nationals by one spot; last year I got ninth and missed nationals by one spot. This year I was hoping to not miss nationals by one spot.”
Ruark’s injured leg has already lost considerable strength, but he is trying to remain in shape by working his upper body while his ankle recovers.
“He’s been working out really hard and doing everything he can to keep in shape for vaulting,” Nunno said. “When the doctors give him the OK, he won’t be starting from scratch.”
Ruark added: “Pole vaulting requires strength and speed. You need the whole package or it doesn’t work.”
Ruark will continue to train through next year, even if he does not make it back for this season, in an attempt to compete in the 2008 Olympics.
“Depending on how things go there I might keep training, but my body is getting beat up so we’ll have to see,” he said.
Ruark started pole vaulting in high school and entered Long Beach State ranked eighth among all college freshmen.
He transferred to Cal Poly the following year and redshirted the season.
The accounting and finance student could have graduated last year, but still had one year of eligibility.
“I’ll be very disappointed if I can’t compete,” Ruark said. “That’s the only reason I didn’t graduate.”
Nunno said that Ruark will be missed at the meets he is unable to attend.
“Not only are we losing a pole vaulter, but we’re losing a big part of or rooting section,” Nunno said. “He’s a good team motivator.”