CHRISTINA DUKE | staff writer
Brian Arnold was a two-time National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) champion, an 11-time All-American, and a member of four NAIA outdoor national championship teams at Azusa Pacific from 1984-1988. Years later, he is not the only one in the family making APU history.
Two of Arnold’s children, Staphon and Mercedes Arnold, both qualified for nationals this season.
Staphon, a junior graphic design major, currently holds the fourth highest jump in school history at 6’ 10. Mercedes, a freshman undeclared major, qualified for the NAIAs in the long jump with a leap of 18’ 0.
While both of their parents attended Azusa Pacific, it was not planned that way.
After Staphon attended a preview weekend and spoke with the track and field coach, Staphon decided to work as hard as possible to acquire a solid scholarship.
Before choosing APU, Mercedes had quite a different plan.
“My dad went here, my mom went here, my brother goes here, so there was no way I was going to go here,” Mercedes said.
Like older brother Staphon, she also attended a preview weekend.
“I just fell in love with [APU]. The people were so nice and sincere and it seemed like a fun place to be,” Mercedes said.
Brian is currently the jump coach for Azusa Pacific.
“To first be able to do what you love, which is coaching, and then to see your kids excel is really cool,” Brian said.
Mercedes says it began when they were young children in local all-comer meets. However, it was not until high school that both began training intensely and competing.
“I was really excited for them to be able to experience the camaraderie, what it means to be on a team, what it means to be on a championship team, to be able to be a part of something that’s bigger than you, and then to be able to coach them individually on jumps is just great,” Brian said.
Fortunately, Staphon shares the same feelings as his dad.
“I like him being around, because when he’s not around I have to explain everything that happens. This way, he’s experiencing everything with me,” Staphon said.
Having a sibling on the team was a whole new experience for Staphon.
“It’s nice seeing [Mercedes] everyday, I just like the fact that she’s here at APU more than anything; I like that she gets to experience it as well,” Staphon said.
While some people might prefer their parents in the stands, Mercedes likes having her dad as her jump coach.
“It’s very professional, and everyone knows he’s my dad but I’m still his athlete. I still get the same training everybody else does; however, there is a more accomplished feeling, it’s more than just coach and athlete in that sense,” Mercedes said.
While one family relationship on the team is more than enough for some people. Mercedes enjoys the presence of her brother as well.
“Having somebody here who has already been through it, it’s a lot of fun. I love having him here…we were always close, but now after coming here, we are closer than ever,” Mercedes said.
Brian loves to see his children succeed and have fun at the same time. While he still holds one school record, he hopes that Staphon will soon beat it.
Both siblings also enjoy encouragement they receive from the team.
“When I went [to nationals], it was an amazing experience. Although I never put any points on the board, the rest of the team really made me feel that me being there was enough,” Mercedes said.
Mercedes participates in the long jump, triple jump and high jump.
“I couldn’t do half as well without the team. It’s an individual sport but a team effort,” Staphon said.
Staphon’s events include the high jump, triple jump, 4x400-meter relay, 4x100-meter relay, and the 200-meter race.
Staphon plans to beat Jack Nance’s high jump record of 7’ 1” and Mercedes strives for a 40’ triple jump.
“I want to learn something more about myself and to be a better athlete,” said Mercedes.
Brian hopes that one day his grandchildren will get to experience the same things he and his children have. “To have three generations with APU track and field would be incredible,” he said.
Overall, Mercedes regards her journey as wonderful.
“It’s nice having the family here and having the support, it helps; it makes me appreciate it a lot more,” Mercedes said.
