Freshman Errol Nolan hopes to run away from the pack at his first national championship appearance Wednesday. Nolan will be participating in the 400-meter dash and will anchor the 4 x 100-meter relay. | Courtesy of UH Athletics
The Cougars track and field season is on the verge of conclusion but perhaps also its climax. Ten athletes made the trek to Eugene, Ore., to compete in the NCAA Championship meet beginning today and running through Saturday. With two relay teams and six individual athletes competing, the Cougars like their chances to score points.
It is the first trip to the national championship for four of the Cougars, including freshman Errol Nolan. Nolan was 0.18 seconds away from qualifying to the NCAA Indoor Championship in the 400-meter dash but achieved his goal this outdoor season.
Nolan’s ambitions for the meet are to beat his personal-best of 45.59 and to land in the top eight of the race, which would give him All-American status. Nolan said to expect big things in his first nationally televised meet.
“Stay tuned in,” Nolan said. “I plan on doing something special.”
Throughout the season, head coach Leroy Burrell had to shuffle the third leg on the men’s 4 x 100-meter relay team, but at the conference championship he found the right lineup. Football stars Isaiah Sweeney and Tyron Carrier will run the first two legs, with Joe Irabor at third and Errol Nolan as the anchor.
On the women’s side, Burrell said throughout the season he is confident the 4×100-meter relay team will be competitive at the national championship. The likely lineup is Christie Jones, Whitney Harris, Kalyn Floyd and Grecia Bolton to finish the race.
Along with relay duty Grecia Bolton qualified for the 100-meter dash. Christie Jones and Kalyn Floyd qualified for the 200-meter dash.
UH will be represented by Chris Carter in the triple jump and Wesley Bray in the decathlon. Carter qualified in the 2009 season and Bray returns to the National championship after making an appearance in 2008.
Like in any sport, preparing for a championship situation is not just about physical condition but mental toughness. Leading up to the event coaches, family and teammates have voiced their support to the athletes. Nolan said some of the best advice he has received is the simple kind.
“The one I hear the most and the one I like to hear is ‘just have fun.’ When I have fun I run my best. Another one I hear is ‘it’s just another race.’ Hearing that relaxes me,” he said.
Despite any calming influences, Nolan said he is eager for the competition to begin.
“I feel anxious,” Nolan said. “Duck on the pond for now.”
The action is slated to kick off at 3 p.m. today at the University of Oregon’s Hayward Field.
