BYU Track and Field Says Goobye to Coach Victor Weirich

BYU track and field says goodbye to volunteer assistant coach, Victor Weirich, as he moves onto a new chapter in his life.

Weirich coached pole vault for the track and field team for seven years after competing as an athlete for BYU in pole vault himself. 

He competed on the team in 2007, and after returning home from his mission in Sydney, Australia, finished his career from 2010-2013.

The 2007 All-Mountain West Conference vaulter posted a personal-best of 5.54m, which helped earn him a spot on the MWC Championship Team as well.

Weirich looks back fondly at the opportunity he had to coach the pole vaulters at BYU. “I was proudest of my athletes when the technique would click,” he said. “I could see their whole body language change. Sometimes it was hard because it took a long time, but when they went through those hard times and they would come out successful, that’s what it’s all about.” 

The coach and former athlete came to love pole vault from a young age. His older siblings were also vaulters and were excellent role models. He used vaulting as a way to escape from school, work and other things that were stressing him out. “I loved every minute that I got to go do what brought me happiness,” Weirich said.

When it came to coaching, he didn’t know he was capable until coach Mark Robison invited him to be the Cougar pole vault coach. “I owe all my coaching success to coach Robison,” Weirich said. “He got me into it. Even when I was struggling he was there to pick me up. I started coaching because we needed a pole vault coach and I happened to be in the right place at the right time.”

Weirich is especially grateful for the opportunities he had to be at BYU. “I wouldn’t be who I am today if it wasn’t for BYU,” he said. “The staff, athletes and friends made everything worth it. I know I wouldn’t have gotten to where I am today as a coach and athlete. There is a different atmosphere at BYU that is hard to get anywhere else and it’s one that’s shaped me to become a better person, athlete and coach. BYU treated you like family and has a way to bring everyone together.”

The Cougars will miss Weirich’s dedication and expertise in coaching and wish him the best of luck in his new endeavors.