Beaverton High School Class of 1996

Played Football, Basketball, Track

High School Pole Vault Highlights

• In 1996, set a then Beaverton high school record for pole vault at 13’6”
• 1996 Class B Regional Champion at Pole Vault
• 1996 Class B All State in Pole Vault (7^th place finish)

Collegiate Pole Vault Highlights

• Josh continued his pole vaulting success at Saginaw Valley State University. He was GLIAC Conference Champion 3 times and Achieved NCAA All-American Status in 2001. Josh briefly pursued Olympic Qualification after college reaching the mark of nearly 18 feet.

Personal Info

• Josh currently resides in Saginaw Township with his wife Melissa and 4 children. After several years of teaching and coaching, Josh moved into a leadership role as a building principal and then curriculum coordinator. Soon he found his niche in Career and Technical Education. He currently serves as the Principal and CTE Director of Saginaw County. Recently he played a key role on a team that was awarded the largest grant of its kind, over 6 million dollars, to help fill the need for professional trades, not only in Saginaw County, but also in throughout the state of Michigan. He serves as a leader of one of the 54 Career Centers in the state of Michigan and works diligently with parents, community members, business partners, and legislators to make Career and Technical Education a priority. His competitive spirit remains strong at work and at play. Josh still participates a variety of sports but is most passionate about golf.

What were some of your highlights in your athletic career? 
In high school, it was breaking the school’s pole vault record.  Also, I got to participate in the state finals with my good friends Cory Pohlman (shot put) and Jeremy Sawyer (high jump).

In college, it was being a two-time All-American pole vaulter and a three time GLIAC champion. 

Talk to us about a specific game or event that stood out. 
I was invited to participate in an early season track meet at SVSU my senior season and there were athletes from approximately 60 school throughout the state.  I ended up medaling, but it was the day the light turned on for me in pole vaulting.  I all of a sudden “got it.”  Pole vaulting is an event with a tone of technique, and that day things really started to click for me.

What was your fondest moments in Beaverton sports?
For me, the bus rides to and from all of the sporting events were always enjoyable.  There was always great locker room inspiration from Coach Johnston!  😊 Friends for life are created on athletic teams and I’m glad I had that.

What was your biggest inspiration?
Quite honestly, it came from my cousin Mark.  He played on a state championship high school football team and then later played football on a Division 1 team.  We later became good friends and still are to this day.

What was your proudest moment?
In my senior year when the track season started, I came out and out vaulted the rest of the conference.  It felt great and I felt I had figured some things out!

Who were some of your biggest competitors in high school?
Pole vaulting can be a lonely sport and so I focused my competition on myself.  I had to rely on myself to be motivated.

What does being inducted into the Hall of Fame mean to you?
It keeps me connected with Beaverton schools.  It reminds me that being a part of this school system was very rewarding and I will always have wonderful memories of my experiences both on and off the field of competition.     

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