From May 14–16, many of the state’s top high school track and field athletes converged on Brigham Young University, displaying their talent and grit. In the challenging hurdling events, Copper Hills athlete Caleb Steele was among the best performers at the meet. 

Steele, a senior, capped a stellar season and career by taking third in the 110-meter hurdles with a finals time of 14.84 seconds. This was an improvement from his 14.95 seconds showing in the preliminary round. Steele was 1.04 seconds behind the winner, Josh Hamblin of Weber. 

Steele also took part in the 300 hurdles where he finished 14th in the preliminaries, completing the event in 43.34 seconds. 

For Steele, taking third in the 110 was a satisfying way to end his time at Copper Hills. He’ll always be grateful for the chance he had to be on the Grizzlies’ team and bond with other athletes. He loves track and field, especially how competitive it is and how he and his teammates challenged one another at every practice and meet. 

“I really enjoy the team aspect and the competitiveness of meets,” he said. “I love to be with teammates and spend time with friends, especially when competing at a big race. I love the competition and racing people every week, trying to do better every single time. The community of friendship is one of the best things. Everyone can come to track and find a friend and have a good experience, and I love that about track.”

Steele ran track at Copper Hills all three years he was at the school. He started the year before as a freshman, largely because his sister ran track. He had always played baseball, and his coach encouraged him to try track because of how fast he was. 

As a track athlete, Steele believes he brought many assets to the team. Not only did his speed and skill benefit the Grizzlies, but he was also a good leader and example. Steele was the type of teammate who would lift others and never get too down or discouraged, even when things may not have gone someone’s way. He also makes sure to keep a good perspective and enjoy running track, not just treat it like a task. 

“I bring a hardworking attitude and leadership to the team as some of my strengths,” he said. “I am really motivated to work hard and want others to work hard, too. I try to lead out and be a good leader among teammates with encouragement and pointers. I try to help everyone be motivated and have fun.”

Steele’s senior season was one of his best. Heading into the season, Steele wanted to improve his times and set some personal records. In the weeks leading up to the state meet, he said, “I know that I have a lot more to give and want to decrease my times more before state happens,” he said.

He also had lofty goals for himself and for his team.

“My goals for the season had always been to set big [personal records] but more importantly make it to state and go for the win,” he said. “I want to win state as an individual in one of my events. For a team, I want us to win region and send as many athletes to state championships as possible. This has been my goals the whole season and I have worked for it the whole time.”

Copper Hills had stiff competition at state, as many fellow Class 6A teams were deep and talented. The Grizzlies finished the state meet in 13th place out of 18 teams. On the girls’ side, Copper Hills placed 11th out of 17 teams. Combined, the Grizzlies were a respectable 12th out of 18 squads with 44 points. Steele and the boys garnered 23 points, one less than Pleasant Grove. The boys were only five points away from cracking the top 10. Steele was pleased with how he did at state and appreciated the efforts of his teammates at the state meet, especially considering the caliber of athletes they were up against. 

Like all high school athletes whose prep careers eventually come to an end, Steele is now looking to the future. He has lofty goals and aspirations on and off the track. Next up, he will serve a volunteer two-year mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He will be heading to the Guatemala Quetzaltenago Mission. Once he returns from his mission, Steele wants to resume track and field. He hopes to attend Brigham Young University and run track for the Cougars. 

As Steele reflects on his time at Copper Hills as a student and track star, he is grateful for the support others have given him. Steele thanks his coaches and family for his success and for being there for him during the good times and the challenging ones. He said he couldn’t have achieved his goals without their influence and help throughout his career as a Grizzly. 

“My mentors have been Coach Edelman and both of my parents,” he said. “My coach has been with me through it all and has done so much for me to teach me to be the best I can. My parents have supported me when I’ve succeeded and failed and have always motivated me and helped me. I owe my success to my coach and my parents.” λ