University of South Dakota Athletics

Sam Pribyl of Webster, South Dakota, is a 5-time all-American in the pole vault. He helped lead the Coyotes to a fourth-place finish at the NCAA Outdoor Championship meet in 2006 when he won the pole vault title with a state-record vault of 17 feet, 8.5 inches. It was his fifth top-6 finish at nationals to go with 6 NCC championships. He also became the Coyotes’ fifth national champion. Sam was so good that day, he didn’t miss a bar until after he had won the title.

Sam was voted NCC Track and Field Outstanding Men’s Athlete in 2006 when he led the program to its 11^th outdoor conference title. The Coyotes’ fourth-place finish at nationals is their second-highest ever. In addition to his national championship, Sam placed third, fourth twice, and sixth at NCC national meets.
 
After completing his eligibility, Sam served as a graduate assistant coach for the Coyotes. He moved to Jonesboro, Arkansas, in 2009 to train with Earl Bell, a three-time Olympian and former world record holder in the pole vault. Sam traveled the country and continued to compete until March of 2016. He cleared 18-1 for a personal best in 2013. Sam currently lives in Sioux Falls and works at Highway Improvement, INC. He and his wife, Mary, have two young children, Tommy and Bridget.