June 9, 2005
SACRAMENTO, Calif. - Senior Marc Kellman, a communications major at George Mason, begins the triple jump competition Friday at the 2005 NCAA Division I Men's Outdoor Track and Field Championships at Sacramento State University. Here is what he has to say on the eve of his event.
From Marc Kellman: In his own words
Today was an off day on the track for me. Coach Skeeter [Jackson] thought it would be a good idea for me to take the day off to rest and recover in preparation of tomorrow's (Friday) big event. In anticipation of tomorrow's competition, so many emotions were running through my head. The blood is already starting to flow in my veins as I get ready for the biggest track meet of the year. All the hard work and dedication I put forth throughout the whole year all comes down to tomorrow's performance.
Today I watched the finals of the long jump competition. The competitors started off the final event with low marks, but started to pick up into the final jumps. Losing was not an option for any of the competitors.
The lead changed about four times before an athlete, who I considered to be the dark horse, stepped things up. That athlete was in fourth place and came from behind to capture the title on his last jump, and it was "lights out" for rest of the field. This was an important reminder that anything can happen, and it only takes one jump to win.
With the crowd attendance much higher today due to the beautiful weather, I will be ready to compete tomorrow in front of that crowd. I'm extremely excited about Friday and ready to represent myself and Mason to the best of my capabilities.
My plans for tomorrow include going on a morning run to loosen up my legs and stretch. I'll eat a late breakfast around 10:30-10:45 am, and then finish my English 302 paper. For the afternoon I will relax, listen to music, and get focused. Since I will start warming up for the competition around 3 pm, I'm not sure if I will eat lunch. If I get hungry I will mostly likely eat something light like an apple or a few nutri-grain bars.
Tomorrow is the big day so wish me luck!
