Millikin University Track and Field's Jamie Michl is setting records, literally. The senior elementary education major from Newton, Ill., recently set a new Millikin record in the 800 meters at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point qualifier on March 5. She finished fourth in the event with a new Big Blue time of 2:15:10. With that time, Michl's performance places her in the top 30 in NCAA Division III.
"The qualifier was a bittersweet feeling for me. I took the trip to Wisconsin to race the 800 on Friday as well as Saturday," Michl said. "I was hoping to not only break the record, but also make it to the National meet. My time wasn't quite fast enough, but I'm happy that I was able to break that record and make the trip worthwhile. It just sets the bar high for the outdoor season."
So far this spring season, Michl has received a second all-time mark in the 600 meter race, second all-time in the 800 meter race, and set a Millikin record. She hopes to improve even more during track's outdoor season.
"My ultimate goal for the outdoor season is to make it to the Division III National meet," Michl said. "I'd love to be able to run a 2:10 by the end of the season, which would be three seconds faster than my best time last year. It would mean the world to me if I could finally say 'I made it to Nationals.' Plus, as my coach knows, I really want one of those jackets that they give out to all athletes participating in the National meet."
As a team, the Big Blue also hope to have success at the CCIW Conference meet. Michl says the team has big hearts and great talent. She says although they may be one of the smallest teams in the CCIW, they are slowly turning heads.
"The best thing about Millikin Track and Field has to be the amount of passion and excitement we have on this team," Michl said. "Each track meet has been filled with cheers and support from my teammates, and that tremendously affects each performance. Track is a sport that requires multiple different talents, which means multiple times to practice. We may practice at different times depending on which running and field events you are in, but we always come together as a family. These people are not only my teammates but my family too."
Michl and the Big Blue will race on March 19 in the Central Methodist Open in Fayette, Mo.