Mays looks to solidfy spot at nationals
Success is not something that is given. It’s something that is earned.
Kevin Mays, a junior thrower on the Central Michigan men’s track and field team, has no doubt earned his success.
While the team itself finished fifth out of five teams at last weekend’s Mid-American Conference Indoor Championships in Bowling Green, Ohio, Mays won the weight throw and was named outstanding field event performer, an award voted on by the conference coaches.
“It meant a lot to me to see that people actually noticed the hard work I have put in and the sacrifices I have made,” Mays said. “To have the coaches recognize me like that is an honor.”
Mays won the weight throw with a toss of 67 feet, 6 1/4 inches, throwing two feet further than the runner up. Mays also beat his previous best by almost two feet.
“I had a great week of practice and I was able to stay mentally focused,” Mays said. “I knew coming in that I was going to have some tough competition, but I was able to perform well and pretty much owned the event.”
This weekend, Mays will be one of the few members on the team that will attend the Alex Wilson Invitational, hosted by the University of Notre Dame. There, he will look to improve his best throw. May is currently 15th in the country and 15-18 athletes advance to the NCAA meet.
The NCAA Indoor Championships are scheduled for March 11-12 and will be hosted by Texas A & M in College Station, Tex.
“Kevin means a lot to our team,” said director of track and field Willie Randolph. “He’s doing all the things you need to do to be successful. He’s a great example of what we want our athletes to do.”
While considered “on the bubble” for nationals, Mays is confident he’s got enough left in the tank to qualify.
“Nationals is where everyone wants to be," he said. "It’s the biggest stage in college track and field. If I could get there it would be an honor.”
