Josh Ebikwo sprints for the
men's track and field team.
SAM CARAVANA / THE DEPAUW
In his first collegiate track meet last weekend, Josh Ebikwo ran the 60-meter dash in 7.09 seconds breaking the previous DePauw record. For that performance, we’re naming Josh our Tiger of the Week. Ebikwo is one of 18 first-year runners on the men’s track and field team this Spring and should play a vital role in the rejuvenation of the program. The Tigers would like to see his performance from the Tiger Small College Invitational continue as DePauw will play host once again this weekend to the DePauw Invitational.
The DePauw (TDP): What does it mean to you to break a DePauw record in your first meet at the school?
Josh Ebikwo (JE): Breaking a school record is always a great accomplishment, the credit for which has to go to our coaches Megan Daw, Kori Stoffregen, Peter Crary, Jon Stover and Tim Hreha. They've done a phenomenal job of putting us athletes in a position to succeed. For me, though, it’s something of a challenge to myself, current teammates and future Tigers. I’m glad I could play my part in raising a bar and helping our program improve as a whole.
TDP: Do you feel like there's any difference when competing in the indoor meets in the early season?
JE: There is a big difference between competing in outdoor meets as opposed to indoor ones. Running performances are generally better on an outdoor track, and indoor competitions tend to have better spectator environments. Both outdoor meets and indoor meets are very competitive, however, and as a DePauw athlete I compete to the best of my ability regardless of the facility.
TDP: What should we expect from DePauw track and field this season?
JE: I expect good things from the track team. We have good energy, commitment and momentum, and none of that is going to change. In addition to a top-of-the line coaching staff, we have exceptional senior leadership, which is a vital component of any solid program.
TDP: How do you prepare for each meet?
JE: To prepare for a track meet, I focus on my meet schedule, stay relaxed and warm up very well. I briefly review coaching points that I picked up the week before, then I make sure that my spikes and uniform are all in order. After that, it's time to execute and leave it all on the track.