The starting line of success
February 11, 2011
Oklahoma Baptist University track athletes attempt to reach nationally qualifying times.
As Oklahoma Baptist track athletes attempt to qualify for indoor nationals, they compete this weekend at Oklahoma University in The Oklahoma Christian Invitational II. OBU runner, Roman Gray, held the title for The Sooner Athletic Conference Men’s Indoor Track Runner of the week this past week.
January 29, Gray qualified in the 60m with a time of 6.89 seconds. He has captured his goal towards qualifying, but has also set other goals towards competing at nationals.
“Team-wise, I am focused on winning the 4x4 at nationals, and individually, I am focused on winning All-American in the 400m” Gray said.
Gayon Evans and Verone Chambers, currently hold the top times in NAIA for their individual events, which make them a huge asset to the team when receiving points towards the overall team score.
“With all the great athletes we have, and the continual improvement of the team as a whole, I expect us to win nationals both indoor and outdoor” said Seagram Kern.
Heptathelete, Derik Douglas also holds high standards in his events, as he trains to get better in all 7 events. Once he advances with qualifying standards in high jump and pole vault, his score will place him high in rankings.
“My goal is to have a faster time each meet I participate in, and also break eight seconds in the indoor 60m hurdles. I am working on winning the heptathlon at indoor nationals and decathlon at outdoor nationals” said Douglas.
The freshmen are also stepping up and initiating a great first season.
With much progression and growth, Stacy Warrior and Airick Johnson have created a name for themselves, and offer room for more improvement. Warrior qualified in the 200m with the time of 25.78 seconds, and in the 60m with a time of 7.84 seconds. Johnson qualified B standard in the 60m hurdles with a time of 8.22 seconds. The upper classmen, have high hopes and expectations for their freshmen team members, and so far they are meeting both.
“I think Airick is a great competitor and always runs his hardest. I can see him helping the team by getting points at the national meet. He is getting better every meet and I can see him winning nationals, while here at OBU,” said hurdling partner, Derik Douglas (Jr.).
The track team as a whole is contributing great output and achieving the standards necessary to benefit the team. The 2010-2011 track season has begun with standards set, goals created towards success, and high expectations in place for future progress.
