While the Ball State University track and field team returns home at 4 p.m., redshirt senior Amber Williams will be on her way to Boston to participate in the USA Indoor Championships.
Williams will run the 60-meter hurdles in a preliminary round on Saturday with a chance to qualify for the finals on Sunday. She is redshirting her senior season to train for the Olympic trials in July.
This meet is a step toward that goal, Williams said.
"It's very important because it's also a big stage," Williams said of the Indoor Championships. "It's a chance to see how I perform in front of a big crowd."
Williams is seeded ninth out of 16 entrants in the event. Her qualifying time of 8.23 seconds came in the Meyo Invitational on Feb. 9. Williams holds a personal best of 8.19 seconds, both a school and a Mid-American Conference-meet record.
Ball State assistant coach Steve Rajewsky said Williams has the ability to finish high in the competition.
"Based on what she has done in the indoor season [as an unattached athlete], I think she can be in the top half," Rajewsky said.
Williams said her main goal is to qualify for the finals on Sunday. She also hopes to record a personal-best time of about eight seconds, she said.
Rajewsky said Williams is the first athlete in Ball State track and field history to qualify for the USA Indoor Championships. The last time a Cardinal competed in the USA Outdoor Championships was in 1999, when Latasha Jenkins qualified in the 200-meter dash, Rajewsky said.
While the distinction is an individual achievement, Rajewsky said he thinks it shows Ball State's track and field program is moving in the right direction as well.
"It also means that we're able to have quality, top-notch student athletes come to Ball State to get an education and run track," Rajewsky said.
Williams plans to return to the team next year as a fifth-year senior, she said. However, she said she still misses competing as a Cardinal.
"It's always hard not to compete, but knowing that I'll be back next year is comforting," Williams said. "Of course, I miss putting on that uniform and being on the track. Those are my girls out there."
Read More
Three Air Jam teams take home the win
October 12, 2012Nineteen teams shimmied, shook and flipped for a sold out John R. Emens Auditorium on Thursday night during the 25th annual Air Jam.
Bill Clinton Speaks at North Central High School
October 12, 2012Former President's Speech Could Have Effect on State Senate Race
