The Chelsea Standard
A Heritage Newspaper
Weekly Publication
Carpenter commits to Indiana Tech
By Don Richter, Sports Editor
PUBLISHED: May 8, 2008
Chelsea's Evan Carpenter committed to Indiana Tech last month to continue his track and field career.
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The senior standout is one of the state's top hurdlers. Last season, Carpenter finished second in the 110-meter hurdles (14.32) and third in the 300-meter hurdles (39.39) at the Division 2 state meet.
Carpenter, who should compete for a state championship this spring in both hurdle events, said he chose Indiana Tech because it fit what he was looking for in a school.
"They had small class sizes with new, rebuilt facilities," he said. "And their track team seemed very dedicated and serious about running, so it was a perfect match for what I was looking for."
Carpenter, 6-foot-6, 165 pounds, said he also considered Northpark in Chicago and Eastern Michigan University.
Chelsea coach Eric Swager said Carpenter has the natural build and ability to be successful as a hurdler.
"I addition, I have seen tremendous improvement throughout his four years," he said. "As a freshman, he was not even the best hurdler in his class here at Chelsea. Over the next couple years he developed some leg speed and grew.
"Finally, he decided to work hard in the off-season in the past few years. Running cross country has built his strength and endurance."
Swager said he felt Carpenter would make a smooth transition to collegiate hurdling.
"The higher heights on the hurdles should not pose a problem for him, since he is 6-6," he said.
Carpenter, whose best time in the 110-meter hurdles is 14.0 and 38.9 in the 300-meter hurdles, said he started competing in the event in middle school.
"I started back in seventh-grade and honestly I wasn't that good," he said. "But after a while I started getting better until I placed at states my junior year."
Carpenter said he chose hurdles because it was the event he liked most.
"It's a perfect fit for me considering my height," he said.
Besides hurdles, Carpenter also competes in sprint relays, the 400-meter run (51.1 is top time) and the 200-meter run (22.4 is best time). But it's hurdles where he concentrates his efforts.
"My goal for this year is to win states in the 110 and 300 (hurdles)," he said. "This goal is something my coaches keep telling me is a very big possibility."
Carpenter said numerous people have helped fuel his desire to succeed on the track.
"I would have to say the people that have inspired and motivated me the most have to be my coaches Mr. (Pat) Clarke, Mr. (Bert) Cruise and Mr. (Eric) Swager," he said. "My best friend Justin McGrath because he is right there with me in the races helping me keep my head straight and most importantly my mom Rhonda for constantly urging me to do better."
Swager said it's been a pleasure coaching Carpenter.
"It's been a good experience to know him and his family," he said. "I wish him the best in all his pursuits."
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