April 21, 2020
By: Nick Skeen, sports information assistant

BLUFFTON, Ohio—Justin Kauffmann is a senior indoor and outdoor pole vaulter for Bluffton University. A graduate of Smithville High School, Justin is majoring in biology and has a minor in chemistry. I was able to talk with Justin about his experience at Bluffton.

Justin found home four years ago when he was looking for a college. "I wanted to go to a smaller university. Campus had a home feeling," he said. "Coach K (Karen Brandt) and Coach J (Jim Brandt) made a home feeling and I wanted to do track so it was a win-win."

A biology major is hard in itself, so adding a chemistry minor and playing a sport left Justin with next to no time on his hands. "With biology and chemistry, I have a lot of demanding courses," he said. "With track beginning in the first three weeks of school and not ending until the second semester, I barely was able to sleep. I had about 4-5 hours of sleep a night my sophomore year. It taught me to get my priorities set."

Having a major in biology and a minor in chemistry takes discipline. Adding a year-round sport makes things even harder. This, however, is how Justin has been able to prepare for his career. "More than anything, it taught me how to grind and stay disciplined. I want to get into dentistry and to get into school for dentistry takes time," he said.

Being at Bluffton for four years a host of memories are made. Justin's favorite came during one week of track practice. "The track team goes through a thing called 'Hell week' where they push you mentally and physically. It is something special to see the camaraderie."

Justin's advice to his younger teammates is to not miss out. "Any moment could be your last. With how the school year ended, we missed out on a lot of stuff. You're never going to know when the last practice or game will be," he said. "Give it your all and with all your heart."

-BEAVERS-