It is more than just pole vaulting for sophomore vaulter James Courson.
A native of Hoover, Ala., Courson was not always hoisting himself over a high bar.
He began track in seventh grade after switching from football. While in ninth grade he began pole vaulting after a demonstration from a friend in the parking lot of their church. Picking up the discipline quickly, Couson gained a lot affirmation from his coaches.
"I remember coming home after my first day of practice and telling my mom I wanted to pole vault every day for the rest of my life," Courson said.
During his high school campaign, Courson became the 2017 AHSAA State meet runner up, the 2018 AHSAA State champion with a jump of 16' 9" and a national junior Olympic qualifier. He also holds the Hoover High School indoor school record at 16' and outdoor school record at 16' 9".
Satisfying his academic and athletic needs, Auburn came as an easy choice. Auburn "felt right" and has challenged Courson mentally, physically and spiritually.
"God was purposefully drawing me to Auburn now for reasons bigger than school and track," Courson said.
This past winter break, Courson traveled overseas on a mission trip. The group spent time sharing the gospel and training other Christians in how to share their faith. The trip was an eye-opening experience for Courson.
"Trips like these have made a really big impact on me by broadening my understanding of what it looks like to follow Jesus," Courson said.
The group consisted of 11 people hosting training for local churches believing their time was best spent training local Christians who could have a lasting impact on their community.
Katherine Pawslow, a member of the group, spoke to Couron's innate ability to reach others.
"One of my favorite memories from the trip was getting to watch James stand in front of a family in a small home and share the gospel with them," Parslow said.
Courson's event coach, assistant coach Scott Richardson spoke to Courson's talent, strong work ethic and work in the community.
"James is a special person," said Richardson. "In thinking back on my entire 27-year coaching career, I cannot think of any other individual who has done more volunteering, community service and mission work than James."
Courson was named to the 2019 SEC Track and Field Community Service Team just after his freshman year. While strong willed and passionate, Courson also has an easy-going nature about him.
"He pushes me in practice because he is always willing to give his best effort in order to make those around him better," said high jumper Dontavious Hill, who trains with Courson.
Stone Shelnut, a freshman pole vaulter has credited Courson and his leadership.
"In terms of training with him, he only brings out the best in me. He pushes me to run harder, train harder, and lift harder because of how he carries himself and how he encourages me." Shelnut said. "James has been an instrumental part to my life here at Auburn."
The zeal that Courson goes through life with keeps him motivated but he is careful to not get ahead of himself.
"On the runway, this can play out as me having high expectations for a certain height I want to clear but forgetting that I need to focus on the current bar," Courson said. "I can't clear 18 feet without first clearing 16, then 16-6, 17, then 17-6."
The key to moving forward is to focus on the journey, not the destination.
Courson admits that last season, his first collegiate season, was a transition. Thus, this season he came in ready to raise the bar. He opened the season at the UAB Blazer Invitational at 4.70m/15'5". He then set a new PR at the Razorback Invitational at 5.20m/17-0.75".
"This indoor season I'd love to jump over 17-3 and set myself up to jump over 17-6 this outdoor season," said Courson.
The right combination of teammates, friends, coaches and service will allow Courson to propel himself over the highest bar.