Heard Around the Track

 

In lieu of flowers, the Dare family has requested that contributions in memory of Kevin be sent to:
Kevin Dare Pole Vaulting Memorial Scholarship Fund
Penn State University
One Old Main
University Park, PA 16802

Checks should be made payable to Penn State University.

 

Contributions also can be made on-line at: www.giveto.psu.edu and designating the gift go to the Kevin Dare Pole Vaulting Memorial Scholarship Fund.

PSU Release

February 23, 2002

KEVIN DARE DIES DURING POLE VAULT @ BIG TEN CHAMPIONSHIPS
 
(photo from Penn State University media guide)

Two-time 2000 PA Pole Vault Champ Kevin Dare of State College, was killed Saturday, 2/23 while competing at the Big 10 Championships at the University of Minnesota. A sophomore from State College, Dare, 19, fell head first into the box on a miss at 15-9 at approximately 2:40 p.m. CT. After being treated by EMTs on site at the University of Minnesota Fieldhouse, he was taken to the Hennepin County Medical Center where he was pronounced dead a short time later as a result of a fatal head trauma.

Official News Release

Minneapolis Star-Tribune story.

Link to send a note of condolence to the Dare family (scroll to bottom of the page)

 

PSU teammate's thoughts

PA HS Highlights: Dare won the 2000 Indoor championship at State College with a 15'05" vault. He was the 2000 Outdoor Champion in AAA, clearing 14'09". 1999: 4th indoor, 6th outdoor.

Teammate and fellow Pennsylvanian Scott Munro, shared his thoughts about Kevin in an email late Saturday nght.

"Kevin Dare was a great teammate and passionate about track and field. I wish everyone could have the passion for our events like Kevin did for the pole vault. Please keep him in your prayers along with his parents, his brother/teammate Eric, and the rest of the Penn State track team as we are trying to deal with the loss. Thank you." - Scott Munro

The official news release from Penn State:

Nittany Lion Student-Athlete Kevin Dare Dies at Big Ten Men's Track & Field Championships

STATE COLLEGE, Pa.; February 23, 2002 - Kevin Dare, a member of the Penn State men's track and field team, died today while competing at the Big Ten Men's Indoor Track and Field Championships in Minneapolis, Minn. A sophomore from State College, Dare, 19, fell during a pole vault attempt and hit his head on the ground at approximately 2:40 p.m. CT. After being treated by EMTs on site at the University of Minnesota Fieldhouse, he was taken to the Hennepin County Medical Center where he was pronounced dead a short time later as a result of a fatal head trauma.

"Our thoughts and prayers are with Kevin's family and friends," said Tim Curley, Penn State Director of Athletics. "This is a very sad and difficult day for the Penn State and State College communities. Kevin was an outstanding, personable young man. He had many friends in State College and on campus. Kevin was an accomplished student and athlete at State College High School and had several significant achievements during his first two years at Penn State. It's just a terrible tragedy and our hearts go out to the Dare family."

Dare's best effort this season was clearing 16-4 3/4 in the USTCA series meet January 12 at Penn State's Horace Ashenfelter III Indoor Track. Last season, he placed fifth in the pole vault at the ICAAAA Championships, helping seal the team championship for Coach Harry Groves' squad. Dare won the pole vault at the United States Track and Field Junior National Championships last June, winning the event by clearing 16-6 3/4. That victory gave him an opportunity to compete in a Team USA vs. Great Britain meet, where he also was victorious. Dare also competed for the United States at the Pan American Junior Championships in Argentina last fall.

As a member of the State College Area High School team, Dare won the 2000 PIAA state championship in the pole vault. He also played football for the Little Lions. Dare's older brother, Eric, throws the javelin for the Penn State track team in the spring and is a defensive back for the Nittany Lion football team.

Arrangements for Kevin Dare are pending.