A Place Where A Pole Vaulter Can Have a Dream and The Tools in Order to Realize It.... | RISE Pole Vault Our Story

RISE Pole Vault’s inception was sparked by Jake Winder’s vision: a haven for the pole-vaulting community of Chicagoland, where dreams could turn into reality. This home would be a space where pole vaulters, backed by elite coaching, quality equipment, and a premium facility, could transcend their imaginations’ limits.

This venture, however, didn’t just spring up overnight. Its roots trace back to Jake’s father Tim Winder’s story. Despite Woodlawn High lacking a track team, Tim’s burgeoning passion for pole vaulting remained undeterred. Unaided, he immersed himself in knowledge and intense backyard practice. This dedication bore fruit in 1979, when he not only clinched the Illinois State Championship but also set a state record. This marked the true genesis of RISE Pole Vault.

Want to hear more about this story?  Check out the One More Jump Podcast episode with Tim Winder.
RISE Pole Vault

Since Tim Winder’s introduction to pole vaulting in 1973, his family has carved an extraordinary legacy. Together, Tim and his sons Jake (owner/coach), Josh, and Luke (general manager/coach) form the world’s highest pole vaulting quartet in history. They collectively hold five Illinois State championships and 12 Division 3 National Championships. All three brothers have competed post-college at elite levels, with Luke, a 2022 world championship team member, still active and boasting a personal best of 5.80 meters (19′ 1/4″).

The Winder family’s experience has significantly benefitted Chicagoland’s community for decades. Tim’s impactful coaching career, starting at Naperville Central and extending to North Central College, along with numerous camps and clinics since 1987, shaped a highly effective pole vaulting teaching system.

In 2019, the Winders decided to extend their extensive knowledge and a purpose-built training facility to any aspiring pole vaulter. Consequently, RISE Pole Vault came into existence.

Jake Winder

Jake Winder, the founder and owner of RISE Pole Vault, was a 2 time National Champion and 5 time All-American at North Central College. He then went on to place 2nd at the USA Championships in 2013 with a PR 5.55m (18’3″). Jake has spent his entire life around the pole vault and has made it his mission to spread that knowledge on a scale that has never been done before through RISE Pole Vault. Jake is also the founder and host of the One More Jump Podcast, where he interviews the top pole vaulters and coaches of all time, aiding in his mission to spread quality information to vaulters across the world.

Luke Winder

Luke Winder, a 7x NCAA national champion, 8x All-American, 2x State Champion, and 2022 world championship team member, grew up surrounded by excellence in the vault. As the 4th pole vault state champion in his family, Luke has learned and been through every aspect of the RISE training philosophy from its start. Now an elite vaulter with a PR of 5.80 (19′) Luke coaches and trains at RISE alongside his training partner, Trevor. Luke is also the the Operations manager at RISE and has played an integral part in the development of RISE since 2020.

Coach John Wood

John Wood, a six-time All-American and North Central College alumni, became part of the RISE Pole Vault coaching team in Fall 2021. A former student of Tim Winder, the godfather of the RISE System, John achieved a personal best of 17’5″. With his childhood steeped in the RISE System and experience teaching at his parents’ Palatine martial arts studio, John combines deep familiarity with the method and excellent instructional skills. As RISE’s Content Director, he’s also instrumental in building its rapidly expanding online presence.

Coach Trevor Stephenson

Trevor Stephenson, an NCAA First Team All American and 2023 Big Ten Champion, has been pole vaulting since 2015. He joined the RISE Pole Vault team in the summer of 2023 and has a current personal best of 5.72m (18’9″). Trevor has coached throughout his years of training and has developed a deep understanding of the pole vault and how it is taught. He is also RISE’s event director, setting up and running each of the meets that will be held at RISE during the year.

Coach Mike Karl | RISE Pole Vault
Coach Mike Karl

Since joining RISE’s coaching staff in 2020, Coach Mike Karl has consistently unlocked athletes’ potential. With over 12 years as the pole vaulting coach at Providence Catholic High School, he’s guided many state qualifiers and high-performing athletes, leading several boys past the 16-foot mark and girls over 13 feet. We’re fortunate to benefit from Mike’s vast expertise in pole vaulting.

The RISE Pole Vault Mission

Provide top-tier instruction, experiences, and content to further the growth of pole vaulting.  Let’s RISE HIGHER together!

All Three Generations Of Winder Pole Vaulters

All three generations of Winder pole vaulters after the IHSA State Meet.
(Jake, Luke, Harold, Tim, & Josh)

Tim Winder First State Championship 1979

Tim Winder winning first state championship for the family in 1979

newsletter signup

Be the first in line for all the latest and greatest from our world. New products, exclusive offers and more!

0
    0
    Your Cart
    Your cart is emptyReturn to Shop