by James Tate
Anderson, the state’s top “triple” sprinter
One of the state’s top high school track sprinters is staying close to home and signing with Weber State University. Colby Anderson reached All-American status this indoor season after finishing seventh in the 200m in 22.33 seconds at the Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) Indoor National Championships in Virginia Beach, VA. Anderson has run a personal best time of 49.00 seconds in the 400m this indoor season and is ready to crack that 48-second mark outdoors. Anderson has consistently qualified for the state finals in the 400m. As a sophomore, he made the 400m finals and ran an impressive time of 49.16 seconds. Anderson returned to the finals as a junior and finished in 49.18 seconds.
Anderson has been spectacular in the 400m, and the smooth-running sprinter is a top 100m and 200m standout. In these sprint events, known as the “triple,” Andreson is the top returner in the state with the best combined personal best times. Anderson’s best times in these events are 10.86 (100m), 21.90 (200m), and 49.05 (400m).
As a two-time state finalist, Anderson knows how to handle big crowds and competition. “Getting caught up in how important a meet is can easily distract me, but focusing on what I need to do is crucial,” said Anderson. “Treating every race the same is what I strive to do because of those experiences.
Heading to Weber State University
Anderson considered other schools before deciding on Weber State, which included Montana State University, Colorado State University, Brigham Young University, Utah Valley University, and Southern Utah University. Anderson will join his brother Bryce Anderson, a Roy High alum, on the Weber State track team. Bryce is a middle-distance runner who recently competed in the 2023 Big Sky Indoor Track and Field Championships in the 800m.
His decision came down to wanting to commit before the outdoor season, being close to family, and running with older brother Bryce. Colby and Bryce are excited to run on the same team. The brothers have had the extraordinary result of being the anchor of the Royals 4×400 relay, and the event was the deciding race to a region title in 2019 (Bryce) and 2021 (Colby). Winning that race is a top one that sticks out for Colby. “I can quickly say the 4×4 I ran at the region as a sophomore is at the top of the list,” said Anderson. “At this point, it has been the most thrilling and satisfying race I’ve completed.” “Winning from so far behind and being able to give that victory to my team is amazing,” said Anderson.
Gold Medal Athletics
photo courtesy of Jim Ballard UHSTCA Meet – 02/04/2023 – Utah Prep Pics (smugmug.com)
Colby has been training with the Gold Medal Athletics Track Club (GMA) with coaches Sean Maye and Brandon Diaz. Maye and Diaz have enhanced Anderson’s sprint times and helped him with his mental approach to each race and competition. Anderson enjoys being able to compete with his parents in attendance and is thankful for their love and guidance. “I thank most of my past coaches and teammates,” said Anderson. “My parents are the ones who have always facilitated my goals, and my coach, Sean, has been my biggest inspiration.”
Off the track
Anderson shines on the track, and his positive influence shows in the classroom and the community. Carrying a 4.0 grade point average, Anderson considers his study skills as essential as his talent on track. Anderson is on one of the state’s top debate teams at Roy High School and was selected as an Academic-All Region. Colby supports the community by helping deliver gifts to low-income families during the holiday season. Anderson also enjoys supporting and interacting with the youth at any chance, and he loves music and art. “I love playing music to de-stress or experiencing different art forms,” said Anderson.
Upcoming outdoor season
As the outdoor season heats up, Anderson is excited to compete and keep an eye on his GMA teammates. Most members of the team attend different high schools. “I’m very excited to see what my teammates at GMA accomplish because I’ve seen their training progress,” said Anderson. “I’m also looking forward to what my other teammates at Roy can do.”
After accomplishing many top indoor finishes, Anderson will look to have a great start to the outdoor track season. Being a region and state champion is clearly within reach in his senior year. The Royals are the defending region 2 boys champions and looking to repeat this year with Anderson leading the way.
cover photo courtesy of Jim Ballard Distance Challenge – 02/10/2023 – Utah Prep Pics (smugmug.com)