Tracking the Wolverines at NCAAs: Saturday
6/9/2007 12:00:00 AM | Women's Track & Field
After such great performances by the Wolverines on the third day of the championships, the Wolverines had to stay focused for the last day. With three competitors left to race, the rest of the Wolverines had to become cheerleaders during the 800- and 1,500-meter runs. The day for Katie Erdman, Geena Gall and Nicole Edwards (middle-distance crew that had to race in the finals) began at 6 a.m., with a 10-minute shakedown run and some much-needed breakfast.
After arriving at the track, Erdman stated that her main focus was to just have fun and enjoy her last race with the block "M" on her chest. Erdman said that such a busy morning truly helped her get rid of the nerves, as she didn't have much time to think about the task at hand. With Coach Henry watching from the top of the stands (he likes to yell and shout without being in the way) and Coach McGuire yelling out split times, Erdman, Gall and Edwards finished their respective races as All-Americans.
Crossing the finish in second place, Erdman said initially she was disappointed that she didn't win in such a close race, but then she realized how fast she had ran (1:59.35) and was very excited. After getting through the media crowd, Erdman called her fianc, then her mom and dad. Erdman also said that her celebration of the finish will be to have lunch with Nicole Edwards and her parents and then do some shopping and let the wind take them from there. With regard to shopping as a part of celebration, beforehand Coach Henry stated that even his wife said women shop when they're sad, angry and happy. So he knew that shopping was going to be the main celebration for the athletes.
Upon the official announcement of the team's third-place finish, Tiffany Ofili cashed in on a promise that Coach Henry made. He stated that if Ofili won a national title he would humiliate himself in front of everyone by holding an umbrella and singing the song "Umbrella" by Rihanna. After enjoying the sun and wonderful accomplishments that the team had, Coach Henry and his crew will be hitting the road at 5:30 p.m. PDT to catch an 8 p.m. flight, arriving in Ann Arbor at 5:30 a.m. (please feel free to congratulate them upon return). Coach McGuire and his group will not leave until Sunday morning, so that they can have one last good day of running.
Players Mentioned
