by Kirby Boehm
Over the past four years, Caitlin Prange has been a staple of the Capital University track team. Prange brings the same passion and work ethic she uses in preparing for race day into her everyday life.
During her time at Capital, Prange has earned the women’s indoor record for the 200m dash. Along with this record, she was also part of a team that was .1 second away from qualifying for nationals her sophomore year.
“Missing nationals was hard news to swallow,” Prange said, “but it was an amazing experience that I was glad I could share with my teammates.”
The team that was so close to qualifying for nationals included Aimee Hall, Sarah Trick, and Kwesi Seabrook. Prange uses the heartbreak from her sophomore year to fuel her goals for the upcoming season.
“The biggest goal is making it to nationals for both indoor and outdoor track,” Prange said.
This has been a dream for Prange since she started running her freshmen year. At the same time, Prange is setting smaller goals she must achieve to make the bigger picture a reality. She plans to take home the conference title for the 200m dash, 400m dash, and the 4×200 and 4×400 relay teams.
Prange credits track for enhancing her time at Capital by giving her a second family.
“Some of my best friends are my teammates,” Prange said. “Track has given me the chance to travel around Ohio, providing me with some of my most memorable memories.”
She also points to the skills she will use in the work force will be learned not only in the classroom, but on the track as well. Prange credits track for teaching her about team work, dedication, and how to be humble in times of defeat.
Besides participating in track at Capital, Prange is also involved in many other organizations both on and off campus. She has been volunteering with Ladies of Distinction for the past two years, something she looks forward to every Friday.
“The young women I work with just always put a smile on my face,” Prange said. “Sometimes they help me more than I help them.”
Along with her volunteer work, Prange is also a member of Delta Phi Epsilon and serves as the President of SAAC this year. With all this involvement, it comes as no surprise that she thinks it is really important for kids to stay involved and busy, because it is a great way to learn life lessons.
Prange hopes to take these lessons with her after graduation as she takes aim at many different career paths. Her dream as of late has been to be a police officer, but by no means is she limiting her options.
Prange knows she doesn’t want to be limited to a desk job and would like to get out of Columbus. Two possible options for her are a year-long mission trip that begins in August and the National Park Ranger Academy at Hocking College.
“My plans for after college are unknown,” Prange said. “Hopefully some type of law enforcement at either the state or federal level, but I will jump at every opportunity God grants me.”
Even though Prange is looking toward the future, she realizes she wouldn’t be in this position without the support she’s received from those around her.
“God gave me my family and they are my rock. I have no idea where I’d be without them.”
Prange receives a tremendous amount of support from her parents, especially her Dad.
“If I have counted correctly, my dad has only missed four of my meets in four years, no matter where I am I never feel comfortable until I see my dad in the stands,” Prange said.
Prange points to sports as something that has always brought her and her father together. No matter how poorly she runs, she always receives an “I love you and I’m so proud” from her dad.
Prange also receives support from her older brother, Alexander, and mother, Regina.
“My brother is my role model and I am constantly looking toward him for guidance,” Prange said. “As for my mom, sports may not be her thing, but she loves to watch me run and show her support. I’ve been blessed with an amazing family.”
Prange was also quick to mention her nine-year-old yellow lab, Ziggie. The Prange family originally trained her to be a Pilot dog, but received the option to keep her after finding out she had bad hips.
“She is such a sweetheart,” Prange said. “I would love to have her sit next to my parents at graduation, but I guess normal people don’t do that.”
Throughout her time at Capital University, Prange points to how important it is to make connections with the people around you.
“You should get to know the people you go to school with, not just your best friends,” Prange said. “It’s good to make connections. People are going to have a different perspective than you. Don’t only embrace it, but respect it as well.”
kboehm789@capital.edu
