Linfield Athletics Hall of Fame
Athlete 1992 - 1994
Canadian-born Curt Heywood went on to become a six-time track and field All-American at Linfield.
Though he competed just three years at Linfield, the native of Penticton, British Columbia, was able to accomplish perhaps more than any other track and field athlete in program history.
He attended Linn-Benton Community College for one year, then followed the footsteps of All-Americans Ken Weinberg and Tim France to Linfield.
Wildcats coach Garry Killgore, himself a former coach at LBCC, saw tremendous potential in Heywood's slight 5-foot-8, 145-pound frame.
After winning the first of three Northwest Conference and NAIA District 2 pole vault championships in 1992, Heywood came close to capturing the NAIA national outdoor championship, but instead finished as the runner-up.
The following spring, Heywood won both the NAIA indoor and outdoor pole vault championships, equaling his personal best of 17-4 1/2. He was ranked third in the nation in the decathlon going into the national outdoor meet, but did not compete in the grueling two-day competition so as to not to compromise his chances to win the pole vault championship. That proved to be the right decision.
Early in his senior year, he captured a third NAIA national title, successfully defending his indoor crown.
In his final collegiate competition, Heywood placed second at the 1994 NAIA outdoor championships, narrowing losing a jump-off to Azusa Pacific's Vince Beresford. The following day, he arrived back in McMinnville just in time for commencement exercises, receiving his bachelor's degree in finance. Twice during his career, Heywood received NAIA Academic All-America recognition.
He represented Canada in the 1993 Commonwealth Games in Victoria, B.C. earning the silver medal in the pole vault.
"Curt was absolute money in the bank in championship meets. He always came through with big performances," recalled Killgore. " He was a tough competitor with great athletic ability. And he helped inspire those around him."
Following graduation, Heywood served two years as an assistant coach under Killgore, helping direct the cross country and track and field programs.
He continues to hold Linfield, District 2 and NWC conference pole vault records.
"What Curt did for Linfield and the track and field program is remarkable," said Killgore. "We really hadn't fully established ourselves as a track and field force. His success opened the door for us to become a team to be reckoned with."
