Erie, Ill. - Ashford University track and field and cross country Head Coach Tyson Graham has been bringing his expertise and knowledge to Erie Middle School this week for a pole vault camp that features about 15 participants.

Despite searing heat and little shade on the field that reached in the mid-90's, nearly 100 campers showed up on Tuesday morning, kids from all ages competing in everything ranging from hurdles and high jump to discus.

"It's been a fun week and we're thrilled about turnout," Graham said. "We want the kids to enjoy their track and field experience more than anything so they continue to stick with it in the future."

Graham worked alongside Erie High's Tom Unruh as they introduced fundamentals and set varying heights for participants to attempt to clear. Campers tried to beat the heat by seeking solace under a patch of shade beneath the scoreboard and took plenty of water breaks as precautionary measures.

Two of Graham's 2009 field signees, Shawn Goodhart of Albany, Ill., and Ashley Voeltz of Fenton, Ill., were helping with pole vault and shot put, respectively. Goodhart made a few practice runs on the pole vault as examples for camp participants and was optimistic about the upcoming year.

"I thought my practice runs went really well today and can't wait to get there (to Ashford) this fall," he said.

Click Here to view a photo gallery of Tuesday's activities

(Click Men's Indoor Track and Field and follow 2009-10 link)