Berry extends UT domination in pole vault

Whoever the next men’s track coach is at Tennessee, he ought to strongly consider keeping Russ Johnson around.

As the UT men and women head to Louisville, Ky., today for the two-day NCAA Mideast Regional meet, the Vols are a pole-vaulting dynasty.

UT’s men have won eight consecutive SEC pole-vault titles, four indoor and four outdoor.

In brief, since signing on as the volunteer vault coach four years ago Johnson is 8-0.

“I’ve yet to leave that meet without winning,’’ said Johnson, whose for-real job is with Knoxville Orthopedic Clinic. “Whenever it happens is going to be a wake-up call for us.’’

Pole-vault success at UT is nothing new. When Johnson arrived as a freshman to vault at UT in 1996, the Vols were on another run of dominating the SEC under volunteer coach Jim Bemiller.

“We’ve had a system in place and we’ve been blessed with a lot of talented guys,’’ Johnson said. “It’s been a monster that fed on itself over time.’’

Head coach Bill Webb, who announced his retirement effective after the NCAA championships in June, has been a strong advocate for the vault.

Nobody knows which direction Mike Hamilton, the athletic director, will go for Webb’s replacement. Longtime assistant George Watts is one candidate who would want to perpetuate Johnson’s involvement with the vault.

“I would hope the powers-that-be would see that and try to keep our group together,’’ Johnson said.

The current star of Tennessee’s win streak is sophomore Joe Berry. He’s won the past three SEC titles, two outdoor and one indoor.

That’s not all he’s won. Berry claimed the USA Juniors title last summer after his collegiate season ended. This spring he won the prestigious Penn Relays vault in his hometown, Philadelphia.

He’s also the defending Mideast Region champion.

“He’s established himself,’’ Johnson said. “People around the country know who he is now.’’

Berry goes to Louisville with two banged-up ankles but doesn’t see that as a serious obstacle in his mission to finish in the top five and earn an automatic berth in the NCAA championships at Fayetteville, Ark.

Neither injuries nor inclement weather are excuses in Berry’s world.

“Once I step on the runway, everything goes away,’’ he said.

“Rain, snow, lightning, headwind, tailwind, I’m going to make the adjustments and get over that bar.’’

Berry’s season-best SEC-winning mark — 17 feet, 7.75 inches — ranks him No. 1 in the regional and 10th in the nation.

There are higher bars to clear, Johnson says:

“He’s not reached his potential yet. He’s got to get faster, get a little leaner and more explosive.

“One thing we’ve managed is not to take away his confidence. His confidence is his biggest ally.’’

Confidence is vital in the vault, Berry said. Especially if you’re wearing a Tennessee uniform — which not only Berry, but Brad Holtz, Michael Seaman and Michael Ayers will be doing this weekend.

“We’ve got a huge target on our backs,’’ Berry said. “It’s a big responsibility. Everybody’s gunning for us and we’ve got to work harder than them.’’

So even if Berry’s ankles are a bit gimpy, he won’t let the competition in Louisville know it.

His body language will send one message: confidence. Clear the bar and hop up off the mat like it’s nothing.

“When I was very young I used to let other people win things,’’ he said.

“But as soon as I started pole-vaulting, something clicked: No, this is mine. No one’s going to take it from me.’’

Lady Vols: J.J. Clark’s women have the top seed in four events: Phoebe Wright in the 800, Sarah Bowman in the 1,500 and Annie Alexander in both the shot put and discus.

Bowman will forego the 800 and concentrate on the 1,500. She has the sixth best time in the nation.

Wright has the nation’s top time in the 800, as does Alexander in the discus.

The top five in each individual event and the top three relay teams advance to nationals.