Charger Chatter: Jared Schipper

Home Sports Charger Chatter: Jared Schipper

Jared Schipper is a freshman pole vaulter from Ft. Wayne, Indiana. He is currently ranked No. 1 in the GLIAC conference.

Last week you made Hillsdale College track history, in what way?

Well, I broke the school pole vaulting record. The previous height was five meters, three centimeters, and this past week I jumped five meters, five centimeters. The record was 22 years old, it felt awesome to set a new goal.

How long have you been pole vaulting for?

I started as a freshman in high school. Pole vaulting kind of runs in my family I have seven other brothers, all of who pole vault or will be vaulting soon. Three of them went to Notre Dame and two of them went to Rose-Hulman.

Is there any competition between all of you? 

It’s a friendly competition. They taught me a lot, but we also like to beat each other. I really want to beat my older brothers record of five meters, 45 centimeters. I’ve got a lot of work to do.

What brought you to Hillsdale?

Coach Ferino really sold the track program. It feels weird not having him here now, but Coach Towne is a great pole vaulting coach. He pushes us all in practice.

What is the dynamic between all the other pole vaulters?

It’s great. We like to have fun and mess around. Alex Whitford and Matt Harris are great teammates. I’ve gotten so much better because of Matt Harris, he has really pushed me throughout this season.

Do you have any pre-meet rituals?

I guess something unique is that unlike most pole vaulters who like to be super calm before they jump, I like to get really hyped up. I listen to Eminem to get ready. My favorite songs are probably Lose Yourself, and Not Afraid.

What’s your next big challenge? 

Well, we have GLIACs this week. Currently I am No. 1 in the GLIAC conference, and I am hoping to automatically go to Nationals in a few weeks. I’ve set a good pace as a freshman and I want to keep it going.

What’s your favorite quote that inspires you for training and why?

“Test your limits.” Superman’s dad says this to him to inspire him to be all he can be. Likewise, it motivates me to be the best that I can be.

Who is your ultimate track role model, and who is your favorite role model overall?

Sam Kendricks, he is a 19-ft pole vaulter and I want to do that some day, but more importantly because he does it such a way that he will possibly even reach higher heights. Off the track my personal role model is my dad. He teaches me how to be a better person by example, which is no doubt the best way.

What do you hope to accomplish in your next three years at Hillsdale?

I hope to continue to improve, I’d love to reach 18 feet and have a shot at going pro. Like a lot of athletes, I dream of going to the Olympics and I hope it will come true. I feel like I’m in the middle of my journey so it’s not the best time to thank people, but I could not have gotten here on my own. My dad, all my coaches, and my teammates are all a big part, but most importantly I need to thank God. Without him I would not have the opportunity to get where I am.