The Track and Field team at Shorter University has been a successful program since it first began. They have had consecutive Conference and National Championships in 2011 and 2012, as well as always recruiting star athletes. This season for indoor started well, but with the new transition into Division II, the competition is a little tougher. Head coach Scott Byrd believes in the team 100 percent.
“Our goal this year is as it is every year- to see our student-athletes run, jump and throw to the best of their abilities. If that produces a championship of any kind, that’s great.”
It is no secret that the Track & Field team is full of gifted and talented athletes. There are several redshirted student-athletes returning this season to bolster the roster. Coach Byrd believes the key to his success is the athletes.
“The men and women we bring in each year. The way they’ve performed is how we bring in better talent. Once they come on campus they’re hooked. The program and school sell themselves.”
There are also a few veteran assets to this year’s indoor track team. These are leaders that bring the team together for the long season.
“Randy Dameron has lead the group for many years now, and we’ll count on him to do so in his senior year this year. Both Bradley Moon and Kirk Wilson bring their leadership from football to the team as well as an added bonus. For the ladies, we have Ayana Walker, Ashley Ballad, and Lakeisha Spikes, and Shea Spicher. They’ve all won Conference and National Championships, and serve as the nucleus of the team.
Daisy Helm, one of the team’s 4×4 runners is confident for the indoor season, and cannot wait for outdoor.
“I believe that we have a pretty strong 4×4 team and that we have a good chance of winning a national title if we continue to work hard.”
As for the men, Senior Malik Fair is in agreement. “I think we will do fairly well on the men’s side this year because half the team last year was redshirted, but we have everyone back now. We are more experienced this year and will be stronger in the National Championship.”
The team itself seems very close, as are most athletes on campus. Being a part of an athletic team here gives each individual an opportunity to win as a family. Shorter’s Track and Field team is committed and hungrier than ever to have another championship under their belt.
Jessi Clark
