On April 30th, Ottawa University will host the KCAC Track and Field Championship for the first time in decades.
“I feel that every team member is essential to this upcoming Championship,” head track coach Kirk Wren said.
It’s something that theteam is definitely excited about.
“I think hosting the Championship will be an exciting heart-beating experience, especially since this will be my first college Championship,” said Abby Folsom, a freshman from Lawrence.
Sophomore Clarence Anderson, a KCAC athlete of the week, is preparing for the championship and has won his second straight 400m race with a time of 49.20 seconds at the Baker Relays. He is currently close to breaking the school record of 48.75 seconds.
Anderson finished in third place in the long jump with a leap of 21 feet, 8 and a quarter inches. He also ran in the 4×100 Relay in which he placed fourth with a time of 43.59. Now Anderson will be making a leap into playing a role in history at Ottawa University
by leaping into the championship.
Anderson has other strong Track and Field team members behind him also making that leap to history of the hosting of the Championship.
Kylie Covey, a junior from Valley Center, Kansas earned KCAC field athlete of the week. She finished second in the 100m with a time of 12. 80.
Sam Blecha, a sophomore shot-putter from Ottawa, Kansas earned KCAC Field Athlete of the week and he threw the shot-putt 45-08 and finished in third place at the Baker Relays.
Sophomore Francesca Carter from St. Louis is excited about OU hosting the championship.
“Personally I can’t describe the excitement I feel knowing that in some way I am playing a role in braves track and field history,” Carter said.
She isn’t the only one that is excited for the opportunity to host this event.
“The championship should put positive pressure on the team,” Wren said. “They will be able to remain more comfortable and live out their daily routines since the championship
is being held at their home track.”