Seniors Lendale Franklin and Ayobami Arokoyo Pose Together in Picture
@lendalefranklin1 on Instagram
The Indoor portion of the track season for both the men’s and women’s track squads have concluded and they have been given time to rest and prepare for the outdoor portion of the season.
As the members of their respective teams rested, they were given time to reflect, look at their strengths and their flaws as well as set brand new goals for themselves.
Many found themselves happy with their indoor track performances, but are still looking for more. They want to achieve better and exceed past expectations. I spoke with a few members from both track squads to further get an understanding of their reflection.
Senior sprinter and hurdler Karam Jaber spoke on his favorite moment of the indoor season and went over his goals for the outdoor season.
“My favorite moment for my indoor season was coming back after 2 years due to injury and breaking my PR. Not just that but being able to put my spikes on and competing at a high level with top runners. I may have not won but definitely gave them a fight. So once seeing the time and my teammates coming up to me and coach say how proud and happy I’m back was an unreal moment.”
I asked Jaber if there was something he wished to accomplish during the indoor season. Jaber stated, “something I did wish was I qualified for nationals or at least all conference. But everything can’t go your way. I accepted that I was close but this indoor season is preparing me for outdoor. I am just blessed to be back and healthy.”
With all this reflecting Jaber has done, it’s only right to find out what his goals are going to be moving forward.
“My goal is to qualify for nationals as well become all conference do I believe I can do it of course. I’ve been putting in the work and seeing the results so hoping to leave it all on the track,” Jaber stated.
In order to stay on top of your goals, there has to be someone or something that keeps you on your toes, motivates you to continue to be at your best.
I asked Jaber what keeps him motivated and he answered with, “The people that have kept me motivated were definitely my mom as she was there when I got hurt and believed I will be back. Also my brothers as I am the oldest out of three, I wanted to prove even if life doesn’t go your way and you’re down you can always still come back better than ever. Then myself as I promised myself I won’t give up and let myself down and I have a goal and I will accomplish it.”
Some of Jaber’s indoor highlights included placing fourth in 60m hurdles with a third-best career time of 8.92 seconds at the Walter Cramer invite. Then at the Aurora Grand Prix, Jaber won the 60m Hurdles and became the fourth sprinter in program history to win the 60m Hurdles.
Senior sprinter/hurdler Lendale Franklin gave me the opportunity to speak with him about his strengths and flaws and his goals for the outdoor season.
“My favorite moment of the season will have to be winning my first 60-meter hurdle conference title, it was the highlight of my season. After four years of relentless dedication, finally accomplishing this goal felt incredibly fulfilling. With graduation in May, this victory became even more meaningful, marking the perfect culmination of my journey.”
Franklin also talked about what he wished to accomplish during the indoor season, but seemed to keep things on a positive note.
“I wish I had made the 60-meter hurdle final at nationals this year, but I’m proud to have run the second-fastest time of my career in the prelims. It wasn’t quite enough, but I’m incredibly grateful for the experience. This season has been amazing, and I know I need to take the time to celebrate everything I’ve accomplished.”
Franklin kept his goals short and simple stating, “My goals for the outdoor season remain the same as they were for indoor stay competitive, enjoy the process, and run fast.”
When it comes to what motivates Franklin the most, he gives all that credit to his family, expressing how essential they are to his success.
“It’s always about family, that’s my reason for doing this. Competing at a high level as a collegiate athlete is tough, and having a strong support system is essential. Without my family, I wouldn’t even be in school.”
Some of Franklin’s indoor highlights included placing second in the 60m Dash at the Aurora Grand Prix. Winning the 60m Hurdles finals at the Walter Cramer Invite, and Franklin earned the honour of being named CCAC Track Athlete of the Week.
The Cougars are locked in and ready to get started for the Outdoor portion of the season. Both the men’s and women’s track squad will travel down to St. Louis, Missouri to take part in the WashU Invitational from Mar. 27-29.