University of Hawai'i at Manoa Athletics

Olympian and renowned pole vaulter Tom Hintnaus completed his first season with the Hawai‘i track & field program as an assistant coach working with the pole vaulters after joining the coaching staff in December 2024.

YEARS COACHING
Hawai'i – 1st (2025-present)
Overall - 16th (1985, 1992, 2008, 2011, 2012-22)

COACHING EXPERIENCE
Hawai'i – Assistant Coach (2025-present)
Punahou School - Assistant Coach (2012-22)
Kamehameha Schools - Assistant Coach (2011)
Kaiser HS - Assistant coach (2008)
South African National Team - Assistant Coach (1992)
Redondo High School - Assistant Coach (1985)

CAREER HIGHLIGHTS

• Coached Helen Hoadley to an NCAA First Round appearance outdoors in his first year with UH in 2025.
• Led Hoadley to conference runner-up finishes at both the Big West and MPSF Championships in 2025.
• One of the world’s best pole vaulters in the early 1980s, taking gold at the 1980 Olympic boycott games for the United States.
• Won gold at the 1980 U.S. Olympic Trials and was one of the favorites to take home gold at the 1980 Olympics.
• Finished in 12th at the 1984 Olympics representing Brazil.
• Set the South American record in the pole vault in 1985 at 5.76m, a mark that would stand for 22 years.
• Took home the bronze medal at the 1983 Pan American Games and finished fifth at the 1983 World Championships.
• Moved on to coaching pole vaulters at the high school and international levels following retirement from competition.
• Worked with the pole vaulters for the South African national team during the 1992 Olympics and coached in Hawai‘i at the high school level for 13 years.
• Coached the pole vaulters at Punahou School for 11 years from 2012-22, guiding three athletes to state titles over that span.