NSU’s men’s and women’s track and field teams began their season on Jan. 22 at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Daytona Beach.
The goal for both teams is have as many athletes as possible participate in the nationals, which will be held at California State University in San Francisco, Calif., May 26 – 28. The Sharks must compete in seven meets in order to qualify for nationals.
Roberta Fisher, junior nursing major and short distance runner, said the women’s team has something that other [universities] don’t.
“It’s really an individual sport so there is not that big of a difference between us and them, and it comes down to the coaching,” Fisher.
Bryan Hagopian, women’s track and field head coach, said he encourages the team to practice hard.
“[I tell them to] finish the practice, finish the day, just finish,” he said. “If you practice like garbage you are gonna compete like garbage. If you practice with 110 percent, you’re going to be a national champ and you’re going to compete as a national champ.”
The men’s team already has a qualifier for nationals. All American senior marketing major Carlyle Thompson, who is ranked seventh overall in the nation in the 400 meter hurdles, is the first track and field athlete from NSU to be accepted to the nationals.
Thompson said he is excited about competing in the preceding meets.
“I am looking forward to running in the Penn relays the most, because that is where I will be able to really showcase my talents,” he said.
Dates for all men’s and women’s track and field meets are posted online at www.nsusharks.com.
