Jennifer Hoffer – Sports Editor
Nick Lebron captured his second NCAA Championship in the heptathlon to round out the indoor track season.
He won in 2012 and was also named All-American last year.
Not only did he come in first, but Lebron also claimed the title and set an NCAA Division II record by a score of 5,765 points. “I can say I’m the best to ever do it in division II,” Lebron said.
Lebron took first place in the 60 hurdles and the 1,000 meters.
Lebron said that winning his second national championship and breaking a national record is definitely his most memorable moment this season.
Lebron said that he felt like he was successful in the championships because when he won both national championships he said he was relaxed and didn’t try to do too much.
“Just because you’re on the big stage, you can’t change anything because what got you there is what you need to do to win. I trust my training and my coaches, so I just go out there and compete hard so good things will always happen.”
Lebron said it has been an absolute privilege playing under his coaches.
“Our coaching staff is the best group of guys in the nation and they will do whatever it takes to make sure we are achieving our goals,” Lebron said.
Because of the coaches, Lebron said, that is how the team’s success transcends in their play.
“We take pride in being the first ones in and the last ones to leave in the gym,” Lebron said. “The track team works hard on the track, down by the throwing circle, or in the weight room. You will always see one of us working at our craft and we wouldn’t want it any other way. We understand nothing comes easy so we let our multiple NE10, New England, and national championships speak for themselves.”
Although winning the 2014 NCAA’s might be his most memorable moment this season, Lebron said that his most memorable meet ever in his career was in 2012.
“It was my first championship in Mankato,” Lebron said. “It developed a hunger for success in this sport.”
Before college Lebron said he mainly did the high jump, and that the high jump was his forte.
“I broke the school record with a 6-foot-6-inch jump at the state meet, but I didn’t start the multi-events until my time here at college,” Lebron said.
Lebron said the main difference he sees between high school track and college track is that high school track is more for fun and recreational leisure.
“Where as college track is more for fun but taking a lot more serious at the same time,” Lebron said. “It’s definitely a larger time commitment in college.”
As for now, Lebron said now that the indoor season has ended, his focus now shifts towards outdoor where his motivation level will remain the same.
“I am going to be competing for a national championship in the outdoor decathlon, that’s my goal,” Lebron said.
It’s his own motivation, Lebron said, that gets him going before every meet.
“If I’m going to do anything in life I want to be the best,” Lebron said. “My team will be counting on me for points or to be at the national meet so I’m going to deliver.”
