Above the Bar: Bryce Barkdull, KU Pole Vaulter

Many young athletes are striving to make their mark, to reach a personal best. KU track star Bryce Barkdull is no exception. His purpose is singular, his devotion complete. Track before him, pole in hand, each run, active pole drop and assent are an attempt at greatness. 

While overcoming a recent knee injury, Bryce’s mom, Richelle, says that he “lives and breathes pole vaulting.” His love of the sport began in his early teen years and was encouraged by his dad, Ryan, who, as a college athlete, excelled at pole vaulting at Wichita State University and still holds the WSU pole vault record. 

He is also supported and cheered on by older brother Ashton who shares the family passion for pole vaulting and competes on the KU track team alongside Bryce. Richelle says, “Pole vaulting is unique as each athlete competes against his previous jump. The goal is to achieve a personal best. So Bryce and Ashton feel like fellow competitors cheering each other to greatness.”

In the beginning, Bryce’s enthusiasm for the sport was high, although his initial jumps were considered average for his age. In time, and with practice and devotion, his skill level rose and his innate talent for pole vaulting emerged. His freshman track season at Andover Central High School nurtured his passion and focus for this unique sport. Although Bryce didn’t qualify for state his freshman year, it motivated him to work even harder. His sophomore year he came back strong and finished second at the state meet behind Ashton, who set the state record for 5A. Bryce then went on to win the state title his junior and senior years, breaking the state record both years.

Between his high school track experience and his involvement with the Shocker Track Club, Bryce has continued to build and hone his skills. As a high school junior, Bryce broke the all-time pole vaulting record in the state of Kansas. He went on to break his own record the following spring competing during his senior year and was ranked No. 1 in the nation. 

Bryce competed outside of school as well, winning the Nike Nationals his junior year and coming in second as a senior. “In June, he competed in the USATF U20 Championships in Eugene, Oregon, and placed second,” says Richelle. “This qualified him to represent the U.S. at the World Athletics U20 Championships in Lima, Peru. The finals in Lima took place on Aug. 30, and he finished fifth against athletes from all around the world.”

Bryce shares this about his passion and his future: “Pole vault is all I want to do. It’s all I think about, and I’m just glad that I have the gifts and talents given to me that I’m able to jump as high as I can. In the coming years, I plan to work as hard as I can to be the best athlete I’m capable of becoming. My goal is to achieve a national title and make another USA team, whether that be a world championship or Olympic team.”

Bryce and Ashton are both a vital part of the KU track team and are following in their father’s footsteps in more ways than one: KU track coach Tom Hays, once their dad’s coach at Wichita State and later at the University of Arizona, is now in Lawrence coaching both boys in their special event, pole vaulting.