Carly Paul: beware the Brown Bear

Tell us a little about how Brown came out on top and what you plan to study there.

 

I found Brown's ideals to be similar to those of the IB program at Poudre, in that it focuses on building a community of like-minded intellectual individuals, while allowing each and every one to seek and enjoy in their unique passions. This idea of a cooperative community was vital to me in choosing the next step for my life and education. I saw this in not only the school as a whole but additionally within the mindset and attitude of the track coaching staff and team. Not to mention Brown provided opportunity for world-class coaching and education in one place. I feel so fortunate to be pursuing my goals in Providence next year and it feels incredible to see all my hard work paying off. As of now I plan to study International Relations and Political Science. 

 

If we go back through your high school results, high jump has been there from the start while the hurdle events have progressed over the years. Tell us a little about how your sort your time out between the three events.

  

My junior year I hurt my back during volleyball and decided not to jump during the indoor track season. This allowed me to get in countless hours of hurdle technique. Which proved to be useful as my times dropped significantly. I try to spend equal amounts of time with hurdle and high jump technique in order to not overwork myself in any area physically or mentally. It was a goal of mine junior year to be strong enough to run the 300mh prelims during high jump at state. The work I put in led me to success and taught me that I'm not satisfied with myself unless I am performing my best in all areas of competition. However, that is not to say it has been easy to manage my time. I am often caught doing hurdle drills in between attempts at the high jump pit.

 

Do you have a favorite among the three events or are they more equal?

 

I love all three events for very different reasons... High jump is the event where I am most comfortable. It comes easiest to me and is by far the least stressful. I think this is because I have had the most reps and coaching in it. I also benefit from the time allowed by field events to focus, reflect and go at your own pace. I cannot deny my love for hurdling however; it's just so dang fun. The 100 meter hurdles appeal to me because of their fast and aggressive nature. Whereas the 300s, although the hardest physically, give me the most satisfaction. I'm sure any 300 meter hurdler would tell you how good it feels to be done with a race. You just want to pat yourself on the back for making it to the finish line. 

 

What's the most difficult of the three events for you?

 

The 100 meter hurdles are definitely the most difficult for me. One simple mistake can ruin a race of that length, which has been a frustration for me over the years. I will also admit to not being the most aggressive runner, which has hindered me a bit in this race. 

 

There have been a number of highlights in your high school career, so I'm not sure this is an easy question, but what would be the one highlight of your high school career that stands out among the others?

 

I wish I could pick one, but you'll have to settle for a couple... sorry! Obviously winning state both times has been overwhelmingly exciting for me, but I find so much joy in sharing triumph with others. I run on a lot of relays at Poudre and some for my indoor team the Fort Collins Track Club, and these have brought me the highlights of my high school career. My sophomore year we won conference in the 4x4 and broke our school record, and I'm not sure I have ever been more excited about a race. As for Fort Collins Track Club relays, this year I ran a 4x2 at Simplot with Carly Lester, Alivia Ayres-Perry, and Audra Koopman. We had our sights set for the podium and ended up winning, which was a spectacular way to end my high school indoor career. I would also be willing to say that many, if not most of my best track memories come from goofing off with my high jump coach Alex Square, or with Carly Lester during indoor practices.

 

Is there anything left to accomplish in your high school career that has escaped you thus far?

 

It was one of my goals to have the school records in all of my events and the only one I'm missing is the 4x2! So I'm hoping we'll drop some speedy 200's this year. There is also the elusive six foot, but I have a long time to get that one. 

 

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As if you needed another reason to go see a track meet any time you happen to be in Fort Collins this spring... And, for the record, Carly Paul is tied with Kelsey English (who now jumps and plays volleyball at the University of Colorado) for the best high jump mark in the six years Colorado Track XC has been tracking Colorado high school athlete marks.