By: Brooke Hall
Brayden Hafen launched himself into Crimson Pride history, recently earning the River States Conference pole vault title while also breaking the RSC indoor vault record.
He started pole vaulting as a sophomore in high school, after first competing as a high jumper. "Once I caught air a couple times and felt the adrenaline, I really got the bug for it!" he says. It turns out, he's a natural! Training with DC Athletics and Greenwood High     School, he quickly climbed the ranks of pole-vaulting competitors, finishing third 
(indoor) and     fourth (outdoor) in the state before graduating high school and committing to IU Columbus.
    "I was recruited from the dinner table," Hafen says with a smile. His father is Paul Hafen, IU     Columbus Head Track Coach (indoor and outdoor) and biology professor. Brayden was     compelled by the opportunity to earn an Indiana University degree close to home, earning
    both academic and athletic scholarships. He's in his second semester, a freshman biology major with his sights set on optometry school.
At IU Columbus, he's enjoying the small class sizes, the friendships he's made with teammates, and returning to a full training regime after dealing with an injury this fall. He's also appreciated connecting with the vaulters at other RSC schools during competitions.
"As a coach, I'm thrilled to have Brayden as a pillar of our team," Coach Hafen said. "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."
As Brayden shifts his attention to the outdoor season, he's looking forward to more meets, more space and more opportunities to
qualify for nationals. He currently ranks 53rd in the NAIA and needs just six more inches on his personal record to reach the next level
and qualify for nationals.
"Brayden is literally bringing our program to new heights!" said Matthew McCarroll, IU Columbus Assistant Athletics Director. "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."
To cheer on Brayden and the Crimson Pride, find all gameday details on the Athletics site.
