Top 10 Reasons for Success...
1. A Commitment to Excellence
Tradition is a
powerful thing! UST track and field athletes take tremendous pride in being
part of a winning program. Each year athletes of all abilities, from the high school state champion
to the athlete new to the sport, make St. Thomas their college of choice.
2. Administrative Support
Athletics at St. Thomas receive exceptional support.
UST understands that in order to be successful year after year, support at all levels is
critical. It’s recognized that outstanding academics and athletics are an important
part of the college experience.
3. Event Specific Coaching
College track and field,
with its many different events, is a truly unique sport. In order
for an athlete to reach his full potential, it is important to get
hands on specific coaching in his area of specialty. UST with its eight
coaches offers the athlete
consistent
individual attention.
4. Resources
UST track and field is fortunate to have the means to
maintain top-notch facilities and equipment. Whether it is a complete line of pole vault
poles, top of the line starting blocks, computer/ video equipment, or the ability to
travel - it’s all here.
5. Team Focus / Balance
Track and field by its nature is an individual sport.
However the truly successful programs recognize the importance of the "TEAM". It’s always a thrill to be
a successful individual, however when combined with 70 winning teammates, its something
special.
6. Reputation
The St. Thomas academic reputation is outstanding. This
combined with a reputation
of athletic excellence makes St. Thomas very popular. Having the best of both worlds is a
reality at St. Thomas.
7. Athletic Perspective
UST track and field believes that athletics should be
an important part of the college experience, not a dominant part. Maintaining the Division
III philosophy - student first, athlete second is important at St. Thomas. Many UST
students over the years have turned down scholarships elsewhere in order to avoid the high
time demand, pressure and insecurity that can accompany athletic
scholarships.
8. Proper Seasonal Emphasis
Our season starts the second week in January,
ending mid to late May. We pride ourselves on keeping the season in perspective. The
conference championships (March and May)
and the NCAA National meets are our main focus. All other meets are considered
opportunities to compete and improve in order to "peak" when it means the most.
Many of the meets we attend are not scored and for the ones that are - we do not concern
ourselves with winning each week . By doing this, our athletes are never
over worked - therefore having
the best opportunity to rise to great heights at our championships meet
(1996-2005) UST
track and field teams have averaged 30 personal records during each of the indoor and
outdoor conference championships.
9. The Ability to have FUN
Track and field is a physically demanding sport, and
while every training moment
may not be a joy, the process of should be rewarding and fun. With our large squad
size, team emphasis and five-month season, it’s no accident that St. Thomas track and
field athletes become good friends. The camaraderie that students find at St. Thomas is
based on a foundation of hard work, success and numerous shared experiences. This makes
for an unforgettable college experience.
10. Success is Contagious!
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