From scaling rock faces to pole vaulting, Sophomore Anderson Horn gears up to fly through the air for his first season as a walk-on for the Samford Track team.
Originally a rock climber, Horn got his start in track during his sophomore year of high school. A friend of his, also a pole vaulter on the track and cross-country team, got him into the sport.
“I started out hurdling, but my friend Abby Hudson was really encouraging me to try pole vaulting,” Horn said. “You basically run with a stick, jump in the air and you get to fly for a couple of seconds.”
With this newfound passion for pole vaulting, Horn started looking at ways to pursue it past high school. He began attending summer camps that Samford would host and enrolled in private lessons during his senior year of high school.
Around the same time, Horn was also looking for the university he’d make his home for the next four years. Already having a history with Samford and wanting somewhere with a Christian aspect to it, Horn decided to plant his roots as a Samford bulldog.
It was important to Horn to get involved in his new school as well as to continue pole vaulting. So, after several talks with the coach and his experience with the staff in his lessons, paperwork was filled out and Horn officially walked on to help represent the Bulldogs.
“I started talking with him (Samford Track coach Rod Tiffin), and I ended up here on the track team,” Horn said.
In his first year at Samford, Horn did a lot of work to prepare for this very moment. As a walk-on, he was red-shirted to build up his height and get to know the team better.
Horn attributes much of his success in this time to his fellow male pole vaulters. Horn appreciated the different perspectives they each brought due to their different styles of pole vaulting.
“They can see things that I may not, and how to improve,” Horn said.
One of these teammates, Brenden Vanderpool, speaks highly of his versatility as an athlete and a person.
“I genuinely believe Anderson is someone you can have in any situation,” Vanderpool said.
Horn said that his teammates and coaches have all played key roles in his development as an athlete. Whether it’s offering pointers, lifting his spirits or spending quality time, the team holds a special place in his heart.
“They’ve been very instrumental in my development as an athlete and a person because they’re encouraging on and off the track,” Horn said.
One of the ways this encouragement is displayed is through men’s team Bible studies. With the team all having a similar lifestyle, these meetings are all the more personal to Horn.
“It’s really nice because everybody kind of shares the same struggles,” Horn said.
Truly channeling Samford’s mission, Horn is part of a team that brings the light of Christ to others around them.
Before competing, the bulldogs will pray with the schools at the meet, regardless of who they’re facing off on the line or in the field.
“I think that has really helped me enjoy my college experience as well as my track experience,” Horn said.
Vanderpool recognizes Horn’s passion for his faith in how he competes and lives his life.
“He’s a reliable friend, dedicated athlete and a fearful Christian,” Vanderpool said. “His passion for others can brighten a room and his absence is immediately noticed.”
Once again leaning on his faith, Horn rests in Philippians 4:13 to carry him through his season and to help him reach his goals. While it varies day by day, Horn is a big fan of using quotes and scripture as motivation.
“I want to keep on improving a little bit at a time but also grow closer to my teammates and encourage them,” Horn said.
Sports Editor
