On March 19, Fisher first-year Hayden Penna was announced as Empire 8’s Indoor Track and Field Rookie of the Year. This award, whose recipient is voted on by coaches within the Empire 8 conference, followed Penna’s win in the pole vault at the Empire 8 Championship meet. Penna became the first Fisher Track & Field athlete to win this award since 2018. 

“Indoor can get dry —it slows down a bit. In the outdoor season, I’m going to go crazy.” – Hayden Penna

Penna, a computer science and cybersecurity double major, is a pivotal member of the Fisher Track program. As a pole vaulter, Penna broke records and achieved many accolades within his first season. At his second collegiate meet, Penna broke the school record in the pole vault with a jump of 4.30 meters. He later broke his own record with a jump of 4.60 meters. Over the course of the season, Penna was named Empire 8’s Athlete of the Week twice and earned a spot on the All-Conference First Team. 

Though he is a skilled pole vaulter, Penna’s track career didn’t begin with this event. Penna first joined track when he was in middle school, where he experimented with many different track events —most notably sprinting events. He found success in the long jump, but ultimately had to find a new event after an injury forced him away. 

Penna attended Hilton High School where he found success. In his freshman year of high school, a senior on the team suggested that Penna try out the pole vault. It quickly became a favorite of his, and Penna stuck with the pole vault for the rest of high school. “I fell in love with the acrobatics of it,” he said.

Penna earned a spot on the All-County First Team several times and was named MVP on his team’s 2022 indoor season. He won a Sectional Championship in pole vault his senior year, as well as placing first at the State Qualifier meet. Penna was also the runner-up in the State Championship meet. 

Penna’s successes led him to pursue track in college. Fisher became his top choice as he embarked on his college search, looking for schools with strong academic programs as well as a competitive team with a good coach. “Fisher had everything for me,” Penna said..

A major factor in his decision to commit to Fisher was the track program’s assistant coach, Josh Pomerleau. Penna credits Pomerleau, who specializes in the pole vault, for his athletic success at Fisher. “Josh made the choice even easier,” Penna said. “He made my pole vault career and my academic career balance out to make a perfect school.”

In addition to what makes Fisher a perfect fit for Penna is the team’s spirit. “They’re awesome,” he said. “I only knew one person before joining, but everyone welcomed me with open arms. I made friends immediately.”

Penna is looking forward to the upcoming outdoor season. “Indoor can get dry —it slows down a bit. In the outdoor season, I’m going to go crazy.” On the technical side, he’s excited for the new equipment. “I get to use bigger poles, which helps me jump higher.” He also enjoys the weather in the outdoor season and added, “The tailwind from being outside gives me more speed.” 

Already a successful athlete, Penna is ready to take on new challenges and meets. He also plans on working to improve his performances and gain more success. “I know I’ve got more in me. I’m ready to go.”