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Share thisStudent Spotlight: Cyrus Comfort and Melia Couchman
With the outdoor Track & Field season underway, let’s get to know two freshman student-athletes, Cyrus Comfort ‘27 (Engineering and Physics) and Melia Couchman ’27 (Physical Education). They are both pole vaulters on the track & field team with a great support system on campus and in their families.
We reached out to Assistant Men’s and Women’s Track & Field Coach, Jenn Suhr ‘04 (Psychology), and asked her for feedback on these student-athletes. Here’s what she said:
“Cyrus is a student-athlete that coaches look forward to working with. He shows up to each practice on time and is ready to put in the work. If we need help with something he will be the first one there. Cyrus is a great teammate and provides us with plenty of laughs. He has a 4.0, he is on the Track and Field team, he is a teacher assistant and he works other jobs on campus. He is responsible and mature enough to balance his time and his energy so he can do it all. It will be fun to see how high he can fly in his four years.”
“Melia is one of the first high school athletes I officially recruited. I have enjoyed watching her develop as an athlete and a vaulter. She is another 4.0 student who invests her time in school and vault wisely. When I first met Melia, she didn’t say much; now her quick wit and side comments keep us all smiling through the workouts. I couldn’t imagine the vault squad without her. She is a key piece of the puzzle in the program we are building.”
At New York’s leading university for character education, students are all in for who they are becoming.
Meet Cyrus Comfort and Melia Couchman!
Cyrus Comfort is a freshman pole vaulter from Spring Arbor, Michigan who has improved four feet on his jumps this year!
Q: What course (so far) has been your favorite?
A: I really am enjoying Physics 2.
Q: Who is your favorite professor, and what’s one way they’ve helped you?
A: Assistant Professor of Physics and Mathematics Dr. Susan Geer is my advisor as well as the instructor for many of my courses. She helped me pick the right path for my future as an engineer through the 3+2 program.
Cyrus is a pleasure to have in our 3+2 Engineering and Physics program. He is a leader academically and in character. He freely collaborates with his classmates, providing keen insight along the way. Coordinating sports within his intense program is challenging, yet he diligently remains focused and manages his load well. I truly appreciate the hours he sets aside to help in the Physics Labs. Following Cyrus through his years at RWU and beyond will be exciting!
- Dr. Susan Geer
Q: Can you share what being part of the track and field program is like?
A: I am constantly improving due to the experience and the amount of time I am able to practice with my coaches.
Q: What stands out from what you learned from your coaches this year?
A: The importance of not letting past practices affect my current one.
Q: What pole vault accomplishments are you proud of this year?
A: Going from jumping 10 to 14 feet before the season began.
Parent Insights
We have been so pleased with the care and encouragement Cyrus has received from all his coaches and professors. Cyrus came to Roberts with some pole vaulting experience. Still, the coaches deconstructed the vaulting process and continued to help Cyrus physically and mentally to overcome the challenges and prepare him well for competitions and life. We could not have asked for a better experience for Cyrus or for a stronger community to welcome him into university life.
– Randy and Annie Comfort
Melia Couchman is a freshman pole vaulter from Herkimer, New York who has been focusing on her technique.
Q: What’s the best thing about studying Physical Education?
A: Furthering my understanding of subjects that I enjoy and getting to play games.
Q: Who is your favorite professor, and what’s one way they’ve helped you?
A: Dr. Anna Beaudry, assistant professor of biology and exercise science, has been helpful by uploading everything to Moodle, so if you miss a class because of a track & field meet you don’t fall behind.
Melia is a pleasure to have as a student. She is a hard worker and actively engages in class content. It is exciting to watch our student-athletes grow academically, athletically, and personally during their time here at Roberts!
- Dr. Anna Beaudry
Q: Can you share what being part of the track and field program is like?
A: Everyone wants to see you succeed. It’s like being a part of a family.
Q: What stands out from what you learned from your coaches this year?
A: The importance of having a short memory when it comes to a rough practice or a meet.
Q: What pole vault accomplishments are you proud of this year?
A: I am proud of improving my technique and getting on bigger poles.
Parent Insights
We are extremely pleased and excited about the pole vault experience and coaching that Melia has received at Roberts Wesleyan University. She is getting top-level, professional instruction in a safe, caring, positive, and family-like environment. The coaches are very approachable as well as responsive, and we are thrilled with the choice Melia has made to attend Roberts Wesleyan University and join their pole vault program.
– Brett and Melody Couchman
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