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Jared Brannen's Best Marks:
60 Meter Hurdles - 8.86
110 Meter Hurdles - 15.57
300 Meter Hurdles - 40.10
400 Meter Hurdles - 58.67
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When I saw you had signed with Davidson College, I was sure there had been another hurdler from Fort Collins sign there recently. Turns out my memory wasn't playing tricks with me--it was Poudre's Charles Rappe'. So, is there any connection beyond the coincidental between your signing and Rappe's signing?
I had never met Charles because he was a bit older than me so we never competed against each other, but a friend that knew him directed me towards Davidson. I was already looking at schools in the South, and Davidson fit what I was looking for. After hearing nothing but great things about the school, I visited last March and it became my top choice from there on out!
What made Davidson the right decision for you?
When I started my college search, I had a pretty specific list of qualities I was looking for. Academics came first, and the goal was finding somewhere academically challenging where I would also be able to compete in track. I visited schools like William and Mary, Wake Forest, and Washington and Lee. I've always wanted to go to school in the South as that's where a lot of my family lives. Both my father and grandfather competed in sports at an SEC school, so pursuing athletics has been on my mind for a long time. I'm beyond blessed to have the opportunity to run at a D1 program like Davidson. The coaches and the team there where amazing to me. I knew right after my official visit this was the place. For me, Davidson provided the perfect place to be an athlete as well as attend one of the top academic schools in the country.
What do you plan to study at Davidson?
Right now, I'm thinking about majoring in economics with a minor in either political science or environmental studies. I'm hoping to go to law school after!
Your high school career has been all about hurdles, and hurdles of every imaginable distance--110, 300, and 400. What's your favorite, and why?
The 400's are definitely my favorite. I love the 110's but the high hurdles have never been my specialty. As for the 300's, they never feel like a complete race to me. To me, the 400h are the best test of both speed and endurance. They don't feel great while you're running, but the accomplishment after is unlike anything else. They're not only my favorite to run, but I think the 4's are the best event in track and one of the purest tests of human athleticism.
Is there any chance you try steeplechase at some point, or is that beyond the pale?
I've never really run anything longer than a 400, but I wouldn't be opposed to trying it! This season I'm planning on running some 800's, so maybe we reevaluate after that.
Are there any goals for your final high school track season that you're comfortable sharing with us?
Due to an injury, I wasn't able to finish last season like I wanted to. With that behind me now, I'm hoping to come back faster than ever. Last year was my first time making state, so now I plan to improve on that and podium in the 300's.
