Celebrating Peyton Garrison, CO 3A Athlete of the Year for Track and Field

Peyton Garrison has been passionate about track and field since she started running in the seventh grade. Now, with multiple state wins under her belt, she was named the 3A WSL Female Athlete of the Year for Track and Field and Colorado 3A Track and Field Athlete of the Year for the 2020-21 school year. 

At the state championship track meet at Jeffco Stadium in Denver this past June, Garrison placed first in the 100, 200 and 400 meter dashes. She was also a part of the winning 4x100 relay team. The Coal Ridge girls won their first state title last year.

To say the least, Garrison is elated. 

“Honestly, it just warms my heart knowing that my community has always been there for me,” says Garrison. “I have so many people around me, like my coach and my teammates, who are helpful and encouraging.”

Garrison says she believes it was her whole team’s collective work ethic that won them their championship. “I also think coach Kirk helps us grow as individuals and as athletes because he makes us come in and work hard,” says Garrison. She says the team was always supporting and encouraging each other throughout that hard work at practice.

Coach Ben Kirk has much to be proud of in his team. Hewas recognized as Best Coach for the 3A Division of the Western Slope and Southwestern Track and Field League Championships. Speaking to his achievement, Garrison says, “He has this mood to him that’s not hard-headed but that really does make you want to work hard.”

In terms of the future, Garrison says she intends to run track in college. She envisions herself studying agriculture and running her favorite event (the 200 meter dash) at Colorado State University, Colorado Mesa University or somewhere else.

According to Garrison, the best part about track and field is being able to work hard for her team and to see everybody grow. “I think the thing that I love the most about track is watching everybody grow and get better,” says Garrison.