Friday, April 19, 2024
Pursuit of excellence has already propelled Gatesville High School junior Barrett Boyd to some outstanding achievements - including school records in the pole vault and the 110-meter hurdles - but even bigger accomplishments could be on the horizon.
With regional track and field competition taking place this weekend, and another year of high school to continue to work an excel, Boyd still has plenty of opportunities to add to her legacy at GHS.
Boyd said an early start in which she was coached by her father, Dusty Boyd, has played a strong role in her success.
"I first started hurdles in fifth grade with my dad coaching me during the summer track season," she said. "I was part of a club team in Temple, and we would travel to events in San Antonio."
That experience helped set the stage for Boyd's future achievements, as she qualified for national competition and traveled to places such as Iowa, Virginia, Michigan, North Carolina, and Houston to compete against some of the nation's top young athletes.
"We traveled a lot and used it as a family vacation," she said.
In seventh grade, Boyd started competing in the pole vault at school and also with Texas Elite in Killeen, with Jack Chapman as her coach. She said she was initially intimidated by the idea of pole vaulting.
"I was afraid of heights, but dad encouraged me, and he's the reason I did it," she said. "Now, the pole vault is definitely my favorite event. Honestly, it's both the event itself and the people you meet. Pole vaulters are like a family, everybody is encouraging you. I also like it because it's different. You just have to trust in yourself to do your best and also trust in the coaches."
Asked about how it feels to participate in the pole vault, Boyd said, "it's a cool feeling being in the air. It takes a lot of technical work, and when you reach your goal, it is very fulfilling."
Boyd said competing in hurdles is an entirely different experience, as rivalries with other participants are more intense, while pole vaulting is more of a friendly competition.
"The atmosphere is definitely much more like a family," she said. "I've seen a couple of the girls at four different meets and we've become friends."
Not only has her junior year been one of record-breaking accomplishments, it has been more enjoyable, Boyd said.
"This year I've just enjoyed it more," she said. "It's my mindset. I've had a lot more fun than in the past when I compared myself more with others. This year I've had fun with everything I do."
As for her upcoming pursuits, Boyd said, "My goal is trying to get to 13 (feet in the pole vault) by the end of the season or my high school career. I am also working to run a sub 15 (seconds) in the hurdles, to be in the 14s. My best run in the hurdles was 15.01 - I was so close."
Her personal best in the pole vault heading into regional competition was a 12-foot, seven inch performance.
"I am trying to go into that (Regional) meet with confidence, trusting myself and being happy with how I do," Boyd said. "I'm not worrying about how everybody else does. My biggest goal is to go to state."
Boyd said two of her biggest inspirations are her parents, Jennifer and Dusty Boyd.
"My dad is definitely the person in track who has always pushed and encouraged me," she said. "I hated it back in the summers and wanted to throw up, but he always helped keep me going. My mom has also been such a great encouragement. Both my parents have told me repeatedly to do the extra work it takes to be my best.
"Also, my coach for pole vault, Jack Chapman, has sacrificed a lot for me. He's done his best for us."
Boyd said she hopes to continue competing athletically at the college level. She is also a talented volleyball player who will be among the team leaders her senior season.
"Continuing at the college level - that's the goal," she said.
As for her favorite subject?
"My On Ramps chemistry class through (the University of Texas at Austin) - I can get college credit," Boyd said. "I'm better at math and science than my other classes."
