Three-time all-American high and long jumper Paul Brozik is joining the Henry Heider Coyote Sports Hall of Fame alongside three other track & field athletes Friday.
 
Brozik, the Central Regional Male Indoor Athlete of the Year in 2003, initially rebelled against the idea of being a member of the track & field team at his high school in Winner, S.D. It wasn't until his sophomore year when coaches Bill Buckmiller and Glenn Carlson talked him into trying out even though he didn't compete his freshman year. 
 
"I went out for track as a sophomore, and I ended up having one heck of a year," Brozik said. "I ended up setting the school record that year and winning a state championship. I fell in love with it and the rest is history."
 
When deciding where to continue his education after graduating from Winner High School, Brozik was looking for a university where he could continue his athletic career surrounded by an environment of successful athletes. Coach Dave Gottsleben sold Brozik on becoming a Coyote.
 
"Even though track is an individual event, I wanted to be a part of a great group of people that are also focused on winning team championships," Brozik said. "When coach Gottsleben was recruiting me, he showed me the vision of what USD track & field is and how that was a big focus of theirs, so when I went to choose a school, USD seemed like a great fit."
 
During the outdoor track season his freshman year, Brozik got what he wanted, a team dedicated to success. The 2000 men's outdoor track & field team won the conference championship for the first time in 35 years and was later inducted into the Coyote Sports Hall of Fame in 2013. Brozik will join his teammates Matt Hoyt and Tom Green from the 2000 team in the Hall of Fame as well. 
 
"That team had so many great athletes that accomplished so many amazing things," Brozik said. "They really set the tone for me and my career. They taught me what it would take to compete and succeed at a high level, not only within the conference, but nationally."
 
Brozik went on to sweep the 2002 NCC indoor and outdoor high jump titles, become a two-time NCC champion in the long jump in 2002 and 2004 and win the gold in the pentathlon with a USD record 3,916 points in 2003.
 
He continued his success in 2003 by being named the North Central Male Indoor Athlete of the Year, NCC indoor MVP, USD Male Athlete of the Year and a finalist for the NCAA National Athlete of the Year. 
 
Brozik said while he expected great things from himself, he found that having motivation from those around him helped him excel.
 
"I was always very motivated, and I think when you're motivated, it's easy to find inspiration," Brozik said. "I was inspired by coaches and my teammates around me. I got to practice high jump with a seven-foot all-American in Derek Pelc every day. I saw so many guys accomplish great things and set the standard at USD."
 
After graduation, Brozik moved to Lawrence, Kansas where he married his college girlfriend, Courtney. The two made the move so Courtney could attend pharmacy school. Brozik wasn't ready to give up being an athlete, so he began work training athletes through strength and conditioning. 
 
Once Brozik and his wife began having kids, Brozik decided to become a stay-at-home dad. He is now busy watching his children become athletes of their own. Brozik said his daughter is currently playing volleyball and is about to debut as a high school track athlete this year. 
 
Throughout the transition from college athlete to stay-at-home dad, Brozik said he has carried one thing with him, his mindset on life. 
 
"I approach each day like this: whether it is the next workout, the next attempt, the next game, no matter what happens, whether you win or lose, you show up the next day and you do the absolute best you can with the new day at hand," Brozik said. "That was the mindset that helped me as an athlete, and I think it can help anyone, no matter what life throws at you."
 
Brozik said to be chosen as an inductee into the Henry Heider Coyote Sports Hall of Fame is a huge accomplishment.
 
"I feel a lot of emotions for sure," Brozik said. "I know how many successful athletes and teams that USD has had in the past, so just to be recognized amongst all the great athletes is just an unbelievable honor."