Ryan Hassa '25 Recruiting Profile

I joined track/field during my freshman year in the Spring of 2021.  I was initially placed in the 400M and Triple Jump. I had no experience in T&F because my middle school had a very small and limited program. I worked hard and got better in triple jump each meet until reaching a PR of 33-9.75. My coach decided to try me in different areas of Track/Field at the very end of the season, and I found that he was able to clear 9’ in pole vaulting with no previous experience. 

I knew I was a year behind many other jumpers, but I also knew that It was something II really felt I could excel at! We had no jumps coach at my high school, and I knew I needed help learning how to be a pole vaulter. My mom and I began looking for local facilities to help me learn technique and push me to learn the sport better.  After interviewing several clubs, he found Philly Jumps Club and began training under Brian Mondschein on 9/25/22. I began traveling from Atlantic County, NJ, to East Norriton, PA (Montgomery County) approximately twice per week.

At the same time, I began training at Cedar Creek High School for the winter track team.  On the days I was not traveling the 4-hour round trip to PA, I was at school sprinting and doing drills.  I had his first experience of doing a meet in PA on 11/23 at the jumps club and achieved a PR of 10’3”. I then started indoor meets at the Bennett Athletic Center in Tom’s River. My jumps were consistent; after my beginning PR of 10’, I met or exceeded my PR at every meet.  I consistently ranked in the top 6, was listed as NJ top 50, and successfully made it to States in my first season.  I achieved a PR of 11’6” at Sectionals and maintained that same height at States.

Between my sophomore and Junior years, I spent the entire summer getting back to basics and learning everything I could about proper technique.  I did some independent summer meets and traveled to PJC 3 times a week.  I helped my mom build a high bar in the backyard and prepared for the winter.  Unfortunately, shortly after achieving the Indoor PR of 12'6" at the beginning of the winter season, I pulled my hamstring at practice.  I worked tirelessly with my school trainer all winter to get back to full ability and came back at sectionals clearing 12'. As I entered the spring season, I went to Physical Therapy with a sports therapist and began working towards my new PR of 13'6". I was 2nd place at the Cape / Atlantic Meet, 6th place at Sectionals, 6th place at States and 8th place at Meet of Champions. 

I am scheduled to continue training all summer. I will continue to go to PJC, get physical therapy, and attend several camps and meets throughout the summer and the beginning of the school year.  I am working to not only increase my PR but also to improve my form and consistency. I am competing against myself and working with all of my coaches and mentors to LEARN, GROW, and SUCCEED!

Besides training, I love the sport and continue to support the team whenever needed, participating in sprinting events or helping out other vaulters who did not have the benefits I have of being able to work with private trainers. Even when I was hurt, I helped be a leader on his team, supporting new jumpers and continuing to build strength and stamina. I play drums in the band, work at a local pizzeria, and volunteer to help my mom feed at-risk community members. I also volunteered to help her build a free pop-up toy store for parents to shop for free / donated toys at Christmas.  I work hard to maintain good grades and be a positive school and community member. Nothing will stop me from achieving my goals and approach this sport with dedication, respect, and determination!