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Jeff Bray American Pole Vaulter

Jeff started his vaulting career at age 12 in Shamrock, Texas. Jeff later moved to Elk City, Oklahoma where he competed in high school under Coach Mark Heard. In high school Jeff led the nation in the pole vault in 1989 with a vault of 17'7". He was the Gatorade Circle of Champions state winner and Associated Press All-America.in 1989.  Jeff won the Golden West Invitational with a vault of 16'3". At the completion of high school, Jeff had the 7th best jump in American high school history.

Jeff attended Florida State University where he posted many marks which still stand as records today. Jeff was undefeated in conference competition in 4 indoor and 4 outdoor seasons. FSU was in the metro conference during Jeff's first season in which he was the Metro conference champion. In 1992, FSU joined the Atlantic Voast Conference. Jeff vaulted 18'0.5" indoors to win the Atlantic Coast Conference and set a new conference and school record. The following Outdoor championship Jeff vaulted 18'6.5" to win and set the Outdoor conference record. Both records have stood for over 20 years. In NCAA championship competition, Jeff tied for second indoors and finished 6th outdoors to claim his first two of three All-American titles in collegiate competition. Jeff also competed in the 1992 Olympic Trials where he posted a 12th place finish with a vault of 18'.

Jeff continued to dominate the ACC for the 1993 and 1994 season. He finished his collegiate career with 5 ACC titles and a metro conference title. Jeff was undefeated in conference championship play. In 1993 Jeff competed for Mazda Track club at the US championships in Eugene, Oregon. Jeff won the US Air invitational as well and competed in many other major competitions.

Jeff competed two seasons in Europe and ended his vaulting career due to injury. In 2002 Jeff was named a member of the Atlantic Coast Conference indoor 50th anniversary All-Conference team. In 2009, Jeff was inducted into the Florida State Hall of Fame.

Jeff is currently a Coach and has coached numerous athletes to state champions and national champions.