If one were to add Alexis Skarda and the mile run together, it would equal a win. Every time the sophomore laced up her spikes to run the mile this season, she won. On Friday, March 12th she will have the opportunity to spike up again as she represents Mesa State College at the NCAA DII National Indoor Track and Field Championships at the convention center in Albuquerque, NM (hosted by Adams State College).
All of Skarda’s wins have been at big meets. She opened with a win at the Air Force Academy All Comers meet back in January, added in another win and an automatic qualifying time in front of big competition at the University of New Mexico, and for good measure she add RMAC Champion to her resume at the conference championship meet.
With her winning streak, Skarda became the first track and field athlete to win an individual RMAC title and the first to qualify for nationals. The sophomore, (who technically is a red-shirt freshman, as she missed her freshmen season due to injury,) also owns the school record in not only the mile but also the 800m, 1500m, 3000m and helped the Distance Medley Relay crush the previous school record.
“The most exciting thing about this particular journey is that history can’t repeat itself,” Head Coach Katrice Thomas said. “Because the program is so young, this truly is her moment. And we are expecting nothing more than Alexis going out there and doing what she’s been doing all season. Competing hard and kicking butt in the process.”
Skarda will take her winning ways, confidence and momentum to New Mexico as she faces off with the best runners is the nation. Prelims for the mile are at 4:20 p.m. on Friday with the top 9 times advancing. All competitors in the finals will be battling for the national crown on Saturday at 3:30 p.m.
For meet results check out
http://flashresults.com/2010_Meets/indoor/NCAAD2/
Or receive instant updates by following head coach Katrice Thomas on twitter
http://twitter.com/katricethomas