Clint Christy

By Shawna Carpentier
UWRF Sports Information

Behind every person, there is a story. Clint Christy is living his own, and as a successful Falcon athlete, he exudes heart, passion and character.

As Christy finishes his last weeks as senior member of the track & field team, he reflects on his start in the sport.

Formerly a baseball player, Christy began competing in track & field during middle school. Giving up baseball wasn't easy for Christy though, with irritating vision problems, Christy's only choice was to trade in his cleats for a pair of running shoes.

"Originally it was because it's more laid back," shares Christy of his initial attraction to track & field as a form of activity.  

Now a way to exercise his passion for athletics, track & field has become one of Christy's favorite parts of life. "Definitely friendships both with athletes and coaches both in high school and in college," says Christy, "are something to cherish for a lifetime, [you] can't take that away."

Taking his achievements as a three-sport athlete for Tomah High School to the next level, Christy pursued college athletics.

Although he began his experience as a collegiate athlete as a football player, Christy joined the track & field team at River Falls his sophomore year for the sport's first year as Falcon athletic program since it was dropped.  

According to Christy track & field is "a lot of technique, you have to use your week of practice for your best opportunity." Christy expresses that unlike other sports, track & field requires precision and an athlete's best performance the first time they compete in any event. "You only get one or maybe two opportunities," says Christy of the sports qualifying requirements to be eligible to win an event.

Christy's approach to the sport has enabled him to perform as an exceptional multi event competitor. "I judge the character of a multi event [athlete] as you gotta have a hard work ethic, sacrifice and practice on time," explains Christy. He adds that the key to excellence is patience and knowing when to push his body and when to not to.

"Clint's a great athlete; he's a great guy wired to do a lot of things," says Falcon Head Coach Martha Brennan. Brennan comments that Christy's ability to jump, sprint and throw makes him a versatile athlete.

To support his perspective of track & field's ability to aid in a person's balance of life is Christy's wide array of awards and accomplishments. A four-time record holder in the indoor long jump (22-10 1/2), outdoor heptathlon (4,981), outdoor pentathlon (3,400) and outdoor 4x200 relay (1:30.48), Christy's success had earned him recognition at the conference and national levels. Both a national competitor and qualifier, Christy has earned All-WIAC honors multiple times in both the indoor and outdoor seasons.  

However, Christy hopes to add another item to his resume: All American. With just a few weeks left to go until the Falcon hosted conference championships, Christy is preparing for his final effort to make it to the Div. III Nationals.

"I'm taking care of the body; icing and stretching," he says, "I have been lifting hard."

Taking care of his body may seem easy, but Christy says it's just the contrary. "Keeping your body healthy is the toughest," replies Christy, "you don't want to take time off."

Charismatically, Christy says he just takes Ibuprofen for the pain caused by the stress of the sport and tries to have fun.

He advises young athletes to take care of their bodies, listen to coaches and veterans of the sport. More importantly, Christy stresses the significance of a good work ethic. "If you are a hard worker it is even easier to gain respect," he says.

Brennan says that Christy "is a good guy to have around." As the team's captain, Brennan respects Christy's key role in building the men's program. "Anytime you have a talented athlete who can perform, it speaks for the team," replies Brennan.

Upon the completion of the 2007 outdoor track season, Christy will also complete his education as a UWRF student in May. Majoring in health and human performance with a minor in outdoor education, Christy plans to attend graduate school at Stout to study risk control. Christy intends to pursue a career as a safety direction at a hospital after finishing his education.

If his credentials allow, Christy plans to coach as an assistant for a track & field or football team in the near future. "You've got to be considerate towards others," explains Christy who emphasizes that respect makes a good role model and builds a person's qualifications.

Currently Christy serves as a respiratory technician in the Army Reserve. "I enjoy helping people," Christy says, which is why he also interns at the River Falls Area Hospital. Working in the hospital's Wellness Center, Christy aides in the rehabilitation of the elderly through strength and conditioning therapy.

Christy's tenderness is a characteristic he implements into his personal life. "You are the happiest when you have those you love around you," believes Christy. If he could Christy says that he would build a big log house just so he could be close to his friends and family. He also mentions that he wouldn't mind visiting the Great Wall of China or having his own Harley-Davidson either.

Describing himself as outgoing, humble and likes to make other people laugh, Christy cherishes the time he spends watching horror movies, shooting pool, bowling and being with his girlfriend, Brittany Smith, who is a member of the Falcon women's track & field team.

With a chapter of his life in progress, only time will tell if Christy's ending will bring All-American status, however, Brennan says, "He's got just a good a shot as anyone."

Christy's parents are Rick and Lynn; he is a brother to Daniel, John and Michael.