Scott Houston

National champion pole vaulter who won at the 2018 USA Indoor Track and Field Championships[10]

What is Scott Houston known for?

Scott Houston, born on June 11, 1990 in Winter Springs, Florida, is a celebrated American track and field athlete known for his exceptional abilities in pole vaulting. He became nationally renowned when he seized the title at the 2018 USA Indoor Track and Field Championships. Apart from his own illustrious career, Houston also coached collegiate pole vaulters, contributing to the sport's development.

Scott moved with his family to Oak Ridge, North Carolina, enrolled in Northwest Guilford High School, and eventually broke the state high school record for pole vault. He also served as the captain of his school's track and field team, exhibiting his leadership skills at a young age.

He then pursued a sports science major at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where he competed for the North Carolina Tar Heels. His freshman year saw him finish third at the Atlantic Coast Conference meet. Furthermore, his exceptional abilities earned him a spot in the Indiana Hoosiers' collegiate track team, where he continued his studies at Indiana University Bloomington. His academic journey was marked by a triumphant win of the 2013 Big Ten Conference outdoor title, a testament to his dedicated spirit and talent.

Meanwhile, Houston's contributions to track and field extended beyond his own athletic achievements. From 2013 to 2015, he served as a volunteer assistant track coach, helping fellow vaulter Terry Batemon to a conference title and Kelsie Ahbe and Sophie Gutermuth to a 1-2 placing at the 2014 Big Ten Championships. He later became the track and field assistant coach at High Point University in 2015.

Though his personal progress was momentarily stalled due to his focus on academics and coaching, Houston made a comeback in the 2015 indoor season, setting a new personal record and securing fourth place at the 2015 USA Indoor Track and Field Championships. A solid performance at the 2018 USA Indoor Track and Field Championships saw him defeat world champion Sam Kendricks with a personal record of 5.83 m, marking a career breakthrough at the age of 27.

In addition, Houston's career highlights also include his participation in the 2018 World Indoor Championships in Birmingham, United Kingdom, and his spectacular win at the NACAC Championships in Toronto, Canada, where he nabbed the gold with a 5.45 m pole vault. This demonstrated his strong presence on the international stage, underlining his status as one of the world's top pole vaulters.

A dedicated athlete, a supportive team member, and a driven coach, Houston's passion for his sport shines through his many accomplishments and contributions to track and field. His remarkable journey serves as a testament to his zeal and commitment, making him a notable alumnus of Northwest Guilford High School, NC.

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