Fresno State Athletics
Vaulting Into History
3/5/2001 12:00:00 AM | Track & Field
March 5, 2001
It's safe to say that there haven't been many athletes who have made the same kind of impact on Fresno State athletics as Cornelius Warmerdam.
Warmerdam, nicknamed "Dutch", is arguably one of - if not the - most recognized and well- known figures in the history of the Bulldog track and field program. The former Fresno State head coach was instrumental in establishing a rich tradition in the pole vault for the Bulldogs. It all began nearly 60 years ago when Warmerdam shocked the track world by clearing 15 feet in University of California's Edwards Stadium in Berkeley on April 13, 1940, eclipsing the previous world record of 14-11 set in 1937. At that time, 15 feet was thought to be impossible. Since then fiberglass poles have replaced the bamboo Warmerdam used, and fluffy foam rubber pits have taken over for the old piles of sawdust. Warmerdam continued to dominate as he cleared 15 feet or better 43 different times before any other vaulter could clear the height once. His outdoor best of 15-7 3/4 stood for 15 years before Bob Gutowlski broke the record with an aluminum pole in 1957, while his indoor best of 15-8 1/2 stood for 16 years.
Warmerdam's accomplishments have also left a lasting impression on the current Bulldog track and field program. Warmerdam Field has been playing host to Fresno State home meets since its construction in 1976. The nine-lane, 400-meter on-campus facility is named after the seven-time AAU pole vault champion. Not to mention current Bulldog track and field head coach Bob Fraley, who has known Warmerdam since the two attended Hardwick Elementary School in Kings County, Calif.
"To me, he was my hero," said Fraley. "I'm in the position I am right now because of his influence. He is world-renowned and has done a great deal for the university. He is simply one of the best athletes ever."
Perhaps what sets Warmerdam apart from other student athletes who have made an impact in their respective sports is the attention he has received on the national level.
Over 2,000 people recently packed the Reno/Sparks Convention Center to witness the naming of the American Pole Vaulter of the Century. As part of the USA Track and Field Pole Vault Summit, a special ceremony was held honoring some of the greatest athletes in American history. Honored guests included American Olympians and World Record Holders such as Bob Richards, Bob Seagren, Billy Olson, Staci Dragila, Jan Johnson and Don Baird. The American Vaulter of the Century Award was divided into four categories, Fiberglass Pole Vaulter of the Century, Steel Pole Vaulter of the Century, Bamboo Pole Vaulter of the Century and American Pole Vaulter of the Century.
Bob Seagren, the 1968 Olympic Gold Medallist and 1972 Silver Medallist was honored as the Fiberglass Pole Vaulter of the Century. Bob Richards, the 1952 and 1956 Olympic Gold Medallist, was honored as the Steel Pole Vaulter of the Century.
Warmerdam, who held the Pole Vault World Record for more than 15 years, was named the American Pole Vaulter of the Century. Due to World War II and his being a "professional" coach, he never had the opportunity to compete in the Olympics. He dominated the sport longer than any other individual and amazingly, no one broke his record until the advent of the steel pole.
The 2000 USA Track and Field Pole Vault Summit proved to be a huge affair as over 1,000 pole vaulters and coaches from throughout the world attended this event. Numerous past and present Pole Vaulting greats showed up to relive memories and create new ones. Jeff Hartwig, the American Record Holder and Atlanta Olympian won the men's Super Elite Competition with a World leading jump of 19-4 1/2 (5.90m). Kelly Suttle won the women's Super Elite Competition with a jump of 13-11 3/4 (4.25m).
Warmerdam was also the recipient of the John L. Sullivan Award in 1942, one of the sport's most prestigious awards. He had been the runner-up for the same award the year before. The former Fresno State standout was voted the "greatest field athlete of all-time" by a national UPI poll in 1955. Warmerdam was also elected to several Hall of Fames, including the United States Track and Field Hall of Fame and the National Track and Field Hall of Fame.
