Ron Morris, American pole vaulter and coach

Ronald Hugh Morris, born on April 27, 1935, is a highly distinguished figure in American track and field, primarily celebrated for his exceptional prowess in the pole vault. His remarkable career, spanning several decades, saw him transition from a record-setting athlete to an influential coach and, eventually, an entrepreneur. Morris's journey through the sport is a compelling narrative of consistent excellence, adaptability, and an enduring passion for athletics.

Morris's athletic talent became evident early in his life, making a significant impact during his formative years. In both 1952 and 1953, he twice earned the prestigious title of California Interscholastic Pole Vault champion, simultaneously setting the U.S. Interscholastic Record in the event. This early dominance foreshadowed a collegiate career of equal brilliance. From 1955 to 1957, while competing for the University of Southern California (USC), he was twice recognized as an Intercollegiate All-American and established himself as the University of Southern California's Pole Vault Record Holder. A truly pivotal moment in his early competitive journey came in 1956 when he became only the sixth man in history to successfully clear the challenging 15-foot barrier in the pole vault, an extraordinary feat for that era that demonstrated the limits of human athletic capability at the time.

A Storied Competitive Career

Ronald Morris continued to be a dominant force on both national and international stages for over a decade. From 1956 to 1966, he was an eight-time AAU (Amateur Athletic Union) All-American, consistently ranking among the top ten pole vaulters in the world for an impressive ten consecutive years. His national supremacy was underscored by winning the prestigious national pole vault title three times: in 1958, 1961, and 1962, solidifying his status as a leading American athlete.

His international career also yielded significant milestones. At the 1959 Pan American Games, a multi-sport event bringing together elite athletes from across the Americas, Morris secured a commendable fourth-place finish. However, it was at the XVII Olympiad in Rome, Italy, in 1960, that he achieved one of his career's crowning glories: a silver medal in the pole vault. This Olympic medal not only recognized his individual excellence but also cemented his place among the elite of global track and field.

Innovation and Enduring Performance

Morris was not merely a successful athlete; he was also an innovator who embraced change. In 1962, he distinguished himself as the only world-class athlete to successfully transition from using the traditional, rigid steel pole to the then-revolutionary, flexible fiberglass pole. This technological shift dramatically altered the sport, and Morris’s seamless adaptation saw him ranked as the world's number one pole vaulter that very year, showcasing his technical prowess and remarkable adaptability. His longevity in the sport was equally remarkable. In June 1971, at the Los Angeles Senior Olympics, Morris set a Masters M35 World Record by vaulting 15 feet (approximately 4.57 meters), proving that age was no barrier to his exceptional skill and competitive spirit. His enduring impact was later acknowledged in 1978 when Track and Field News, a highly respected publication in the sport, ranked him as the 2nd Best Pole Vaulter of all time, specifically recognizing his incredible longevity and sustained performance throughout history.

Beyond the Vault: Coaching and Entrepreneurship

After a celebrated competitive career, Ronald Morris channeled his extensive knowledge and experience into coaching and athletic management, committed to fostering new talent. From 1960 to 1978, he served as a dedicated Track Coach at California State University, Los Angeles, where he played a crucial role in developing numerous All-American athletes, shaping the next generation of track and field stars. His commitment to the sport extended further in 1978 when he transitioned from university coaching to become the owner and operator of "On Track," a venture he continues to manage to the present day, further solidifying his enduring legacy and deep involvement in the world of athletics.

Frequently Asked Questions About Ronald Hugh Morris

When was Ronald Hugh Morris born?
Ronald Hugh Morris was born on April 27, 1935.
What was Ronald Morris's primary sport?
His primary sport was track and field, specializing in the pole vault.
What was his greatest Olympic achievement?
He won a silver medal in the pole vault at the 1960 Summer Olympics (XVII Olympiad) in Rome, Italy.
How many national titles did he win in pole vault?
Ronald Morris won the national pole vault title three times: in 1958, 1961, and 1962.
What role did he play in the transition from steel to fiberglass poles?
In 1962, he was notably the only world-class athlete to successfully convert from using the traditional steel pole to the newer fiberglass pole, a significant innovation that year, leading to him being ranked #1 in the world.
What did he do after retiring from competitive athletics?
After his competitive career, he served as a Track Coach at California State University, Los Angeles from 1960 to 1978. From 1978 to the present day, he has been the owner and operator of "On Track."