Pacific Index

Senior Kamron Shields breaks Pacific University’s heptathlon record in his first college heptathlon 

By Gabe Kalama

   4,128 points. A new school record for Pacific as senior multi-event athlete Kamron Shields gave his first heptathlon everything– and it’ll be one to remember. 

   “I never thought I would break a school record before,” admitted Shields. “I never thought I’d do this. It was awesome! It felt like all my hard work paid off a little bit.” 

   Shield’s excitement and surprise is to be expected, as that recent performance wasn’t always part of the plan—and initially neither was track. 

   “In high school I just wanted to get fast for football, so I just started sprinting,” said Shields. “I didn’t really get into track until the end of high school– and I just fell in love with it.”

   What started as speed training, quickly became a burning passion. When Shields first arrived at Pacific, he was still learning and developing, and he himself would say he’s a late bloomer.

   His first year goals were simple: qualify for conference, set personal records, and improve.

The jump came between his freshman and sophomore seasons. “That’s when I realized I could do a lot better than I thought I could,” he said. “I started pr-ing a lot more frequently.”

   Fast forward to senior year, that steady improvement earned him a 4,128 point heptathlon—a two day grind that takes grit and versatility. The indoor heptathlon includes seven events: the 60 meter sprint, long jump, shot put, and high jump on the first day. The second day includes 60 meter hurdles, pole vault, and the 1k run. 

   Those long days make for both a physically and mentally demanding competition. “Definitely pretty sore,” Shields said with a laugh, sharing the toll a multi-event meet can take on his body. “After a multi, my body is kind of out for a couple of days. But honestly it’s really fun. I love the multi. It’s fun getting to learn every event– they’re so different but similar at the same time.”

   His love for the variety of events is mirrored in his behind the scenes routine. “I really dedicate myself to it– practice, lifts, recovery, nutrition, hydration, sleeping right. I hone in on all of it,” he described. “I love seeing small improvements. It’s just nice when those happen.”

   For Shields, progress is addictive. Whether it’s shaving milliseconds off of a sprint or adding inches to a jump, the highlight is the climb. “I like to hold myself accountable. I love improving,” he shared. “It’s so much fun to run the fastest I’ve ever run, jump the highest, and throw the farthest.”

   Breaking Pacific’s 200 meter record earlier in the season served as a turning point, hinting that bigger things were yet to come.“That was a wake up call,” Shields explained. “I didn’t know if I could do it, but I went out there and did it. That really motivated me.”

   Preparation remained consistent for his first heptathlon, balancing sprints, hurdles, and field events, while also making sure his mind was ready. “A couple days before, I’m really trying to get my body right,” he said. “Recover well, eat well, get hydrated, and get my mental right. I just try to lock in and have fun doing it.”

   When the points were tallied and the record was confirmed, the moment felt surreal. For a senior who once saw track secondary to football, it was validation of both talent and discipline. He’s quick to credit his coaches for believing in him early on, and putting him on the right path to get to where he is today. 

   Looking back now, Shields has a simple message for his younger self. “I’d tell him to start track sooner,” Shields said with a smile. “Definitely start sooner. The harder you work, the better you’ll be, and the greater things you can achieve.”

   4,128 points now stands in the Boxer record books—and for Kamron Shields, it stands as proof of how far he’s come.