Many people at Bakersfield College know Ryan Beckwith as BC’s athletic director, but before that he was training in the decathlon for the Olympics.

“I always wanted to be an Olympian, and I think that’s what caught my eye because it’s grueling and fun with all the events,” said Beckwith. “I grew up in a military family, so we moved around a lot. So sports were my outlet, a way to express myself and meet friends.”

He commented on how he first got into being a decathlete.

“I played football and track while I was at the University of Georgia, but it wasn’t until I got to UCLA that I started being a decathlete,” he said. “Coach Bart Goddell asked me what events I was doing (pole vault and sprinting) and asked me if I was interested in the decathlon. I always wanted to do it, but I never had the right coach. All because of the luck of the draw of meeting the right guy that I became a decathlete.”

While at Georgia, Beckwith got his master’s, something that his grandmother, who was a big influence to him, wanted. He’s also a graduate from California State University, Northridge. Afterward, he started teaching at UCLA and met with Goddell, where he started training for decathlons until he was hired as BC’s new athletic director last year.

He added that the pole vault was his favorite event in the decathlon.

“I loved the 100-meter and the hurdles, but if I had to drop the decathlon and go with one it would probably have been the pole vault,” he said.

“I love that it’s got all the elements, speed, power and free-flight.

“You got to be extremely prepared and that was the fun part of it. You won’t ever be perfect at everything and the pole vault extenuates that. I think it really helps me in this job because you have to work hard to achieve your goals.

“My least favorite has to be the 1500-meter, not exactly because of the event, but where it was placed.

“It was the last event on the last day, so by that time you’re physically drained.”

The events that are in a decathlon are the 100, long jump, high jump, shot put, 400, 110 hurdles, discus throw, pole vault, javelin throw and 1500.

He also added that he’s looking forward to watching some of the decathletes compete in June.

He’s looking forward to seeing the defending gold medalist Bryan Clay, and Trey Hardy and Ashton Eaton.

“I think Eaton might break the record in a couple of years. I think he might be the guy to reckon with. I was looking forward to competing with him because he’s great and humble, and I think that makes him even better.”

He added that both him and Eaton have similar training styles because Eaton’s coach coached his coach.

“I’ve thought about going back to compete in the decathlon, but this job is something I always wanted,” he said. “I would like to say that I would want to go back, but I’m in a position where I can help the students with my experience as a college athlete and decathlete. That helps them out because I think I’m a good example of what athletics and a good education can do for you. I always wanted to be an athletic director, but I didn’t think I would enjoy it this much.”

Some of Beckwith’s best efforts were 17-8 in the pole vault. He also had 10.48 seconds in the 100-meter and 46.83 seconds in the 400-meter.