Senior tailback does track and field too
Starting tailback Hugh Charles doesn’t believe in monogamy when it comes to sports.
This CU senior has been running and jumping with the track team as well.
Charles has been running track for several years now and raking in the awards.
As a four-time letterman for his high school, he is a decorated veteran of track, including his 2004 national record long jump of 25-3.75.
His interest in the long jump, men’s relays and the 60-meter dash is founded in his love of football.
“Track has always been a side event,” Charles said. “I believe track compliments football.”
In addition to rushing for 1,058 yards this past season, Charles is second to one other person in CU’s track history, Kingsley Adams, in the long jump for both indoor and outdoor competition.
Charles’ time of 6.88 seconds in the 60-meter dash puts him seventh on the list of all-time performers for the school.
There is even talk that Charles will continue in the post season.
“He’ll certainly be our top long jumper, possibly a NCAA qualifier,” head coach Mark Wetmore said. “It also looks as if he might help our sprint relay teams.”
On a personal note, Charles is quick to point out that football is number one.
“Football is my true love, but I believe every football team could use a good speed program,” he said.
Charles said a win in football is more satisfying, but he enjoys the solidarity of some of the track events.
“It’s a single event,” Charles said. “I get nervous. Everything I do, I do for myself.”
Charles said he was unsure as to which sport is more challenging. He described football’s competition as grueling, but that track required a different kind of dedication.
“Football is about bonding, track can keep you away from that bonding,” Charles said. “But track has helped in football.”
As Charles looks ahead to the upcoming NFL Draft, he said he considers himself more prepared as a result of having participated in another sport.
“It keeps my speed up,” Charles said. “Knowing how to run makes a big difference.”
So go ahead, tell football coach Dan Hawkins that one of his running backs is having an affair with another sport. In the long run, it may be beneficial for the football team and its players.
It seems to be a winning formula for the school’s top tailback.
Contact Campus Press Staff Writer Kyle L. Haas at kyle.l.haas@colorado.edu.
