Submitted
Peyton McQuinn, Hamilton Heights senior, has signed a letter of intent to join the Indiana University Men’s Track & Field Team in Bloomington. IU is a member of the Big 10 Conference and a Division I athletic institution. He is the son of Mason and Stephanie McQuinn.
“I was inspired to attend Indiana University because of their high-level Kelley School of Business and the success of their graduates post college,” said Peyton McQuinn on his decision to select IU to continue his education and pole vault at the collegiate level. “IU’s pole vault squad is also very good, and their coach is very knowledgeable.” McQuinn, who is a member of the National Honor Society, and attends a yearly mission trip with his church, plans to study marketing in preparation for an advertising-related career after college.
McQuinn, who started pole vaulting in the eighth grade, turned out to be a natural in the sport following in the footsteps of his father and brother. He competes year-round in club and on the Hamilton Heights track and field team and works out to continue to build his skill and strength. It has paid off for McQuinn, who is an Indoor Small School Pole Vault State Champion, All State Outdoor Sectional Champion, Track Team MVP, and high school record setter in the pole vault event.
“My father has been a massive influence for me because he pushes me to be the best athlete I can and encourages me no matter the circumstance,” added McQuinn.
“It has been such a blessing being able to coach Peyton,” Mason McQuinn said. “Being a father/coach, I get the privilege of seeing him when nobody is looking. He is 100 percent committed to being the best he can be. He has this approach in all areas of his life, from athletics, to academics, to mental and physical health, diet, sleep, etc. I can’t wait to see him at IU. They have one of the top pole vault programs in the country and I know he will give everything to be the best he can be, and I’m confident that these skillsets and mindset will last long after pole vault is done and allow him to have similar successes post college.”
“It has been extremely exciting to see Peyton’s growth from his freshman year to his senior year,” added Todd Jones, Hamilton Heights Boys Track & Field Head Coach. “His development and dedication to pole vault is the reason he is two-time indoor state champion. We are all looking forward to this year’s outdoor state meet and the future at IU for Peyton.”
Hamilton Heights Athletic Director Kurt Ogden agrees.
“Peyton has worked extremely hard the last four years to be one of the best, if not the best, pole vaulters in the state,” Ogden said. “The coaching he has received from his father has been invaluable and is directly related to the success he has gained and the opportunity he has earned to continue his career at IU. We wish him the best as a future Hoosier.”