Robbie Pratt 5.50

[Mecham]

Its not the school. If i were to go on a mission (not a trip at all) it would be my choice, not the schools. And yes, he didnt touch a pole for the 2 years. Are you suprised by his jump?

[VaultMarq26]

in that case...yes i am am suprised, and scared about how good he can be once he gets back into it

[Mecham]

You'd be suprised on well anyone can do, once you do it right.

[rainbowgirl28]

in that case...yes i am am suprised, and scared about how good he can be once he gets back into it

Robbie Pratt won NCAA's outdoors last year. He didn't just get back from a mission.

His profile says he went on his mission from 12/2000 -12/2002
http://www.byutrack.com/MEN/Main/Athlet ... ser_id=207

His mission was in Mexico. Robbie is Mexican. He competes for Mexico internationally.

[VTechVaulter]

bingo. in fact, ill have to dig them up, but i found results for him in a meet during that time. and that is where the controversy comes in. not to take anything away from that man. hes a nice kid, and he jumps pretty high reguardless of age or eligibility. theres just some dilemma in the system. if i made up my own religion, and went on a two year mission to lets say donetsk. i dont think people would be all that thrilled with me having stopped my ncaa clock by that time.

and no im not taking anything away from mormons, or their beliefs, simply a shoe on the other foot scenario.

[rainbowgirl28]

2 years while he trained and competed internationally. real fair

I didn't say he competed internationally for them during his mission. I doubt he did (i'd have to look it up) and I doubt he did significant training while he was on his mission.

[Mecham]

I happen to know Robbie personally. I talked about it, He never even went to college before his mission so he never really had a "break". He started college after his mission. Lots of LDS people do that, go on a mission before their college starts. I know he didnt even touch, pick up, see, or do anything with a pole. Do you guys know how he has mexican nationality? Ask him. lol. So its not like he took a 2 year break to think about the vault and practice. so, Trust me. He is fine with his eligibility. Nothing against it.

p.s. Im glad you had nothing against the LDS church

[FreightTrain]

I don't have a problem with this at all. Any guy can choose to delay going to college for any number of years and it shouldn't (and won't) affect when his eligibility clock starts. Also the 5 years to get 4 in gives similar flexibilites to just about anyone. Most just happen to take advantage of it while still going to school. Seems Pratt's done a more honorable thing (in his service to others, namely his church).

[mowad1]

Not exactly true there. You don't have to begin college right after high school but you must stop competing once you have reached a certain age in Division 1. The only exceptions are missions and military service. He has the advantage of physical maturity. The LDS would say that he has the advantage of spiritual maturity. It does seem to be a loop hole in the system.