Track and field can come across as a strictly individual sport; however, there is more of a team aspect driving everyone that goes unseen.
Senior Isaac Brown and sophomore Josh Forbes, help each other reach greater heights throughout the indoor track and field season.
“It’s about being competitive and getting that next bar,” Forbes said.
Forbes and Brown playfully banter with each other during practices, but lock in during meets.
Brown finished the NAIA Indoor Track and Field National Championships in fourth place with a jump of 4.95 meters. Forbes finished second with a jump of 5.00 meters. Both finished with All-American honors.
This dynamic duo has a unique relationship that sparks their competitiveness when jumping. Brown hosted Forbes as a recruit when he was looking at where he wanted to further his pole-vaulting career.
“We have a friendship that goes beyond just being teammates. He is like a little brother,” Brown said.
Brown went to one of Forbes’ high school meets to support his fellow teammate. That action did not go unnoticed by Forbes.
However, the drive to the top is also individual. The adrenaline rush and the success that comes from the hours and hours of work are things that both athletes look forward to when competing.
“I have been to Nationals many times, so this is not my first experience with it. But watching them compete together is amazing. You just see two people pushing each other to do better,” pole vault coach Gerry Conway said.
Forbes competed in nationals as a freshman and took 12th place during his first outdoor season. Brown competed in nationals in the 2022-2023 indoor and outdoor season, taking home third place at the National Championships during the indoor season.
Achieving such awards was not an easy process.
“My biggest challenge was my mental game. I tend to overanalyze things, so my mind was my biggest enemy,” Brown said.
Brown has been dealing with injuries that left him battling with his mind. Safety in pole vaulting is not guaranteed. However, in his last season, he has had to push through his mental block and fully send each jump.
Brown reminds himself that the people who make it to Nationals are the best of the best, and he is one of the best in the nation. That ignites his competitive spirit and confidence in his ability to jump.
Meanwhile, Forbes’ focus this season was to just have fun and enjoy the process. He stated that he will always remember the crazy electric feeling of not only placing high in nationals but also obtaining a new personal record.
While the two jumpers were highlights at the Indoor National meet, they now have refocused and are preparing to find themselves in a similar place for the Outdoor National meet this May.
