IU Columbus Pole Vaulter Soars Towards Nationals
Brayden Hafen, a freshman biology major at IU Columbus, is rapidly making a name for himself in the world of pole vaulting. After transitioning from high jumping, Hafen quickly found his stride, achieving notable success with training from DC Athletics and Greenwood High School before arriving at IU Columbus.
From High Jump to Fresh Heights
Hafen discovered his passion for pole vaulting as a sophomore in high school. “Once I caught air a couple times and felt the adrenaline, I really got the bug for it!” he shared. His natural talent quickly became apparent, leading to a third-place finish indoors and a fourth-place finish outdoors at the state level before graduating.
A Family Affair and Academic Pursuits
Hafen’s journey to IU Columbus was uniquely influenced by his father, Paul Hafen, who serves as the Head Track Coach (indoor and outdoor) and a biology professor at the university. “I was recruited from the dinner table,” Hafen said with a smile. He was drawn to the opportunity to earn both athletic and academic scholarships although pursuing a degree close to home. He is now focused on a future in optometry school.
Teamwork and Training at IU Columbus
Currently in his second semester, Hafen is thriving in the smaller class sizes and the camaraderie of his teammates. He has also enjoyed the competition and connections made with fellow vaulters from other schools within the River States Conference (RSC). After recovering from a fall injury, he is back to a full training regime.
Coaching Pride and Program Impact
Coach Hafen expressed his pride in his son’s accomplishments, stating, “As a coach, I’m thrilled to have Brayden as a pillar of our team. As a professor, I’m impressed by his strong academics while juggling indoor and outdoor track. And as a father, I’m proud of his proactive training and the example he sets for others.”
Matthew McCarroll, IU Columbus Assistant Athletics Director, highlighted Hafen’s impact on the program, saying, “Brayden is literally bringing our program to new heights! He’s setting a standard for our program, and we couldn’t be more proud of the work Brayden and Coach Hafen have done to build something special here.”
Looking Ahead to Nationals
As the outdoor season begins, Hafen is focused on qualifying for nationals. Currently ranked 53rd in the NAIA, he needs to improve his personal record by just six inches to reach the qualifying standard. Fans can discover gameday details on the Athletics site.
About DC Athletics
DC Athletics, located on the eastside of Indianapolis, is an outdoor pole vaulting facility offering weekly training sessions with flexible plans for athletes. The facility is equipped with high school standard mats, hurdles, and gymnastic equipment for inversion drills. Learn more about DC Athletics.