Fresno State Athletics
Fresno State Mourns Loss of Dutch Warmerdam
11/14/2001 12:00:00 AM | Track & Field
Nov. 14, 2001
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FRESNO, Calif. - Dutch Warmerdam, an athlete, a coach, a legend of the sport of pole vaulting, passed away Tuesday. He leaves behind a legacy incomparable in the track and field world.
Warmerdam, Fresno State's Athlete of the Century and the American Pole Vaulter of the Century, set the standard for pole vaulting when set the world record with a bamboo pole in 1940, clearing 15 feet. He dominated the sport for the next 15 years, reaching heights of 15 feet or greater 43 times before any other pole vaulter did it just once. It was until 1957, when the aluminum pole was introduced, did his outdoor record of 15-7 3/4 fall.
The John L. Sullivan award winner, had his indoor record of 15-8 1/2 stand alone for 16 years.
Fresno State honored Warmerdam by naming its track and field facility after him in recognition of his accomplishments and contributions to the sport, the university and the track and field community.
