I am always amused at the lack of recognition given our sport and our athletes, in general, at this crucial time of year, when Championships are contested, and earned. Like all coaches in all sports, this is the time of year where our teams and our very performance as coaches are determined. In track, we have playoffs too – harsh elimination rounds that cut the competitor pools deeply and sharply, in decisive finality. Our athletes bear pressure alone, with courage. Like the much lauded NCAA basketball tourney, every track athlete who earns their way into one of 48 regional berths, must survive and advance through each round. This pressure is individual and collective. Teams are made and broken on the efficiency with they advance  individuals deeper and deeper through the rounds.

Conference Championships serve as an important launch into NCAA first round competition. Competition at conference meets is refined, focused and intense, often extremely so. Conference meets are crucibles of championship behavior. Each weekend serves a theme in the timeline of the season. The conference meet is about attaining seasonal bests.

I will not sing the many praises of our athletes at the SEC outdoor meet. With humble appreciation I sum it up this way. Our performance, as a TEAM, in Lexington,  was very brave.  

Now, we start eliminations and, the particular focus required to make a deep playoff run.

To all coaches and athletes, I wish you concise preparation and joyful focus at the NCAA Rounds 1 and 2. Have aggressive fun competing in the most athletic sport on earth.