Ryan Barkdull, a two-time NCAA all-American in the pole vault, has taken the same work ethic and determination he displayed as a Wichita State track and field athlete to his two business, Diamond Archery and Midwest Turf & Construction, jobs that have combined two separate passions for the Wichita, Kan., native.

"I love working outdoors in construction, building a project from start to finish so that you can see the end result," said Barkdull.  "Diamond Archery gives me the experience of working with people who have the same passion that I have with hunting and finding them the right equipment. It's the best of both worlds."

In the world of track and field, Barkdull finished his career as a Shocker with school records in both the indoor and outdoor pole vault, accomplishments that have stood for the past 15 years.  Barkdull was named an all-American during the 1996 NCAA Indoor Championships, finishing third overall by clearing the bar at 17' 10.5".

The outdoor season saw the accolades continue to pile up for Barkdull as he won the Missouri Valley Conference title by vaulting 18' 6.5", and in the process setting a new conference record.  Barkdull earned his second all-American honor a few weeks later at the NCAA Championships after placing 10^th with a vault of 17' 2.75".  A five-time all-MVC performer in pole vault, Barkdull continued his vaulting career professionally after WSU, competing in both the 1996 and 2000 Olympic Trials.

"I was kind of shocked to hear that I was going to be inducted into the Shocker Sports Hall of Fame," Barkdull said.  "I knew I still held the record in the pole vault and its been neat to leave my legacy, in a way, and give back whenever I have the chance to do so...I've had some accomplishments, both professionally and athletically, but this is right up there."

Barkdull spent two years as a Shocker athlete and made several friends that he still keeps in contact with today, including current WSU assistant track and field coach and former teammate Pat Wilson.

"What I remember most about Ryan is what an extremely hard worker he was," said Wilson.  "He did everything huge.  It didn't matter if we were fishing, golfing, or pole vaulting he expected to win.  I'm not sure most people understand how hard it is to vault 18-plus feet. The guy is a stud."

One of the things that Barkdull misses the most from his days as a Shocker were the activities and camaraderie between his teammates leading up to and following a meet.

"There was always something to do," explained Barkdull.  "Being able to work out, compete and train every day was something I enjoyed."

Balance in life between athletics and academics came easily for Barkdull who took those skills he learned at Wichita State and applies them to his life today.

"You have to be prepared; go into anything with a plan," said Barkdull.  "More than just the experience there (at the national meet) was getting ready to be there, automatically qualifying so you knew where you stood.  Knowing you were guaranteed a spot, is something that helps you prepare for the big goal, like in life, where you work day in and day out preparing for the next day.  Most meets were just one-day events and you spent 364 days working up to get to that one."

Barkdull now spends the majority of his time devoted to his two Wichita-area businesses while also trying to balance a family life. 

"I hope to slow down a bit in the next five to 10 years," said Barkdull.  "I'd like to spend more time with my kids, but just keep on working and living day-to-day life like everyone else."

 

Mike Zucconi, WSU Media Relations

- Wichita State -