• What exactly is the ESSX Showcase?

The ESSX Showcase is an event designed for pole vaulters that may not be the most heavily recruited, but are talented and have the desire to continue pole vaulting at the next level. Our goal in designing this event was to help these athletes to showcase their pole vault abilities as well as their off the runway abilities. The showcase includes pole vaulting and specific testing events that nearly all collegiate coaches utilize in their offseason and preseason training.

• Will poles be provided?

Yes! We will have over 300 poles available for use at the showcase. However, if you wish to bring your own poles, you’re more than welcome to.

• I’m flying, where do I go?

Cape Girardeau is in southeast Missouri. Fly into St. Louis Lambert International Airport and Cape is approximately 120 miles south. 

• Where should we stay?

Tru by Hilton

Holiday Inn Express & Suites

Hampton Inn

Drury Plaza Hotel

Fairfiled Inn & Suites

The Courtyard Downtown

• What’s the schedule of events?

We suggest arriving on Friday afternoon/evening to get a full nights rest and potentially even go see the SportsPlex. Saturday morning, we’ll get started with check-in, house rules, and then get going with pole vaulting. The first thing we’ll do is an actual meet, hard crossbars, officials, the works. After that, athletes will then be performing tests that nearly all collegiate coaches use in their training cycles; flying 15m sprint, standing long jump, standing triple jump, and overhead shotput throw. We’ll also be having some roundtable type discussios from the coaches in attendance about the next level and Q & A portions for athletes and parents. Sunday we’ll come back and finish off with another pole vault session.

• What coaches will be there?

Our list is constantly evolving, however, we can expect to see coaches from Missouri, Tennessee, Arkansas State, Charlotte, Bucknell, Penn State, and Cornell all in attendance.

• Can I talk to any coach?

Absolutely! The coaches are there for you, the athlete, and your parents to chat with the coaches, learn about their programs and let them learn about you! The biggest benefit of having this event is that it is a very close-knit event and allows a more relaxed and personal environment. At a track meet, it’s loud, there’s athletes running everywhere, and the coaches are usually busy. At the showcase, their focus is 100% on pole vaulting!

• My PR isn’t ‘that high,’ is it worth coming?

100% is it worth coming! There’s a home for you at the next level and what better place to find it than at a pole vault exclusive event! Another major benefit of this event is that we are also doing testing outside of the pole vaulting. As pole vaulters, we understand that we may not always have our best days at meets. But, off the runway, we have unmatched speed and explosiveness. Pole vault coaches love athletes who show initiative and maybe stepping out of their comfort zone a little bit. You’re definitely welcome and we’d love to have you!

• Places to eat?

Visit the Cape Girardeau Chamber of Commerce website to see all they have to offer.