Oklahoma State track and field wants to make statement. After a Top 10 finish in the national rankings last year, the OSU track program is looking to make a run at the title (pun fully intended).
“We are getting the ball rolling," said John Teeters, a junior sprinter. "We are really excited about the upcoming season.”
Last year, Teeters ran a 10.14 in the 100-meter sprint, his personal best. Claiming the regional title, he helped the Cowboys to a great finish nationally.
“Our sprint program is improving," Teeters said. "We have such a good distance program, which helps us compete, and it is has our sprint team on the rise."
The perennial success of the cross-country team has pushed the sprinters to improve. Teeters believes his group can be a Top 5 program this year. “We are working ourselves very hard right now during the off-season, getting ready,” he said.
As the season approaches, Teeters thinks Oklahoma State is approaching a possible national title, saying, “We might not be there yet, but our program is improving everyday and has potential to win a National Championship in the next couple years.”
Though the team isn’t always together, they are still close. “We don’t all travel together but I know we are close with the throwers because we spend the most time with them,” Teeters said.
On a team with 40 athletes and six coaches all focusing on different events, it can be hard to stay as a single unit. Teeters doesn’t think so. He knows the team is on the same page.
“We are just ready to compete. We go where the competition is,” he stated, “We will travel to California, Seattle, Iowa, all over the place. This program is very good and very close to winning it all.”
The track team will start indoor competition in February and outdoor in April. Last year, Oklahoma State claimed the indoor Big 12 title and looks to defend it in 2015.
“Our goal is another Big 12 Championship," Teeters said. "It is one thing at a time, we will compete for the Big 12 then it is on to the ultimate goal of a National Title.”
Like all driven athletes, Teeters has a few individual goals to go along with the team ones. “I ran a 10.14 in the 100 last year, but I really want to break 10 seconds," he said. "But most of all I just want to improve in the 100 and 200 and get better everyday.”
This team is working hard to be ready for next semester. They are a program on the rise both regionally and nationally and need support. John Teeters and his teammates will be competing for OSU, so give them some support and be there to cheer them on!
