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Celebrating Colorado's college-bound track and cross country athletes:</h3>
Mackenzie Pettit jumps at just about every opportunity, but the high jump ranks as her favorite. Contributed photo.
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Mackenzie Pettit's best marks:
100 hurdles - 16.26
High jump - 5-5
Long jump - 15-5.75
Triple jump - 34-8.25
Heptathlon - 3491
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Tell us first about the decision to attend the University of Northern Colorado. What pulled you in for the school?
I decided to attend the University of Northern Colorado because the coaching staff and team made an amazing impression on me in how they work together and treat each other as a family. I also really loved the forward mentality that all the coaches had regarding their growing track program. It really sold me on the school because everyone is so accepting and supportive and there is a lot of friendly competition within the program.
And what do you plan to study while you're there?
As of right now I plan on getting a major in sport and exercise science, with a minor in nutrition or business because, as of now I really want to be a personal trainer.
You've done a lot of hurdling and a lot of jumping in your high school career. Have you always been inclined to jump over things?
I have always loved jumping, over things, across things, you name it. I have always loved it, but I never really thought of high jump until half way through my sophomore year, we had gotten an event specific high jump coach, Dave Criz, and I thought it would be fun to try it, and not only did I love the event, I really liked, appreciated, and respected Coach Criz's coaching style and how much he cared about his athletes. I probably would have never started high jumping without him.
Of all your events, which is your favorite, and why?
The high jump is my favorite event, because it is such a fun event to practice and compete in! Also because of my coach who cares a lot about me and is always able to find something that I can improve on, which I really appreciate. I also love the event because there is so much you can learn and improve on. It's an event where you can genuinely improve on something every day. Plus the competition is really fun!
Pick a favorite moment for us from your high school career.
Almost all of my favorite moments of high school have to do with my sports and teammates. We make memories everyday and I have made life long friends through them. Probably one of the best memories of my high school career was going to state in both volleyball and track and being able to share those experiences with my teammates for both track and volleyball.
Have you set any particular goals for yourself as you head into your final high school season this spring?
My goals include breaking my personal record in high jump as well as the other main events I take part in. I also really want to make it to state and perform in high jump and triple jump because the experience has been amazing the last two years and I really want to perform my senior year, but I would really love to make it to state in one more event.