Sports Reporter
Photo by: Kenny Coles
scschroc@mavs.coloradomesa.edu
After scoring an NCAA provisional qualifying mark in the decathlon last weekend at Western State College, Randy Brown has his sights set on winning the RMAC championship and earning a spot at the outdoor National Championships in Pueblo.
Brown’s score of 6222 is the highest RMAC score of the season and the 25th best mark in the country. Brown’s score is also a personal best, but he is still focused on improving.
“My first goal now is to better my score and win the RMAC title,” said Brown. “I want to be on top of the podium.”
Even with his provisional qualifying score, Brown is not guaranteed a spot at Nationals. Brown said that adding an extra 300 points could be good enough to make it to Pueblo.
“I really want a better score for Nationals and to get a better spot heading in,” Brown said. “Adding those 300 points is very realistic because I’ve done it before, but I just need to go out there and score high at a meet.”
The decathlon consists of 10 different events, which means the successful competitors must have a wide range of athletic skills. The training regimen for the decathlon is particularly tough, with about six hours of practice each day, according to Brown.
Brown said he would get bored competing in just one event and was good at different events, so it just made sense to compete in the decathlon.
“I train so much with about six or seven hours of practice each day,” Brown said. “I usually do three events per day, so I’m always working towards getting better.”
Brown’s teammates have praised him for his work ethic. Whitney Rowe said Brown is one of the hardest working athletes on the team and gives everything during practice.
“Every practice he gives 100 percent, and I can honestly say I’ve never heard him complain about anything,” said Rowe. “He is always optimistic, a huge part of our team and an amazing leader.”
The team also acknowledges Brown’s personal qualities off the track. Brianne Ghosh said Brown is one of the most generous people and has a heart for helping people grow.
“I admire Randy for his work ethic on the track, but more for his role model qualities off the track,” said Ghosh. “When a teammate is down, Randy has encouraging words to say, and I’m so proud of him, and it’s been so exciting to watch him grow as an athlete.”
Brown credits his work ethic to his passion for competition. Growing up with two older brothers made everything a competition.
“Being the youngest, I was always trying to compete, and we wanted to win more than anything,” Brown said. “I love competing, and being the best is something I always strive for.”
If Brown didn’t compete on the track, he said he would probably spend a lot more time with his church and helping kids.
“I’d probably just spend time getting fat,” Brown joked. “On a serious note, I love helping people, and I just try to balance as many things as I can. Most people probably don’t know I also love musicals.”
The RMAC outdoor championships start on May 5 at Colorado School of Mines in Golden.
Recent Comments