ISTANBUL, Turkey – The world's greatest athletes took center stage with one of MSUM's own Rahn Sheffield guiding the way as the women's head coach. World records were set and gold medals were won when the United States track and field team topped the medal count in Istanbul, March 9 through 11.
Sheffield thinks the U.S. is number one for a reason.
“I believe that it is because we are a defiant nation,” Sheffield said. “We are defiant of the word impossible. We have dismissed it as an option.”
Under Sheffield's direction, the U.S.A. women's track and field team earned three gold medals, two silver and four bronze at the World Indoor Championships. Team U.S.A as a whole totaled 18 medals; 10 gold, 3 silver and 5 bronze.
“I told them all, 'When we put that U.S.A. uniform on, we forfeit our right to be human,'” Sheffield said. “These veteran athletes are the gate keepers, responsible for keeping America's great track and field tradition alive.”
Brittney Reese was down to her final leap in the long jump, trailing the leader by only 0.06m. With that last jump, Reese broke the World Championship record and won the gold medal with a leap of 7.23m.
After Chaunte Lowe completed a high jump of 1.98m, she did not even realize she had won. An official had to walk over and tell her the gold medal was hers.
Sanya Richards-Ross entered her first World Indoor Championships. The newcomer could have been mistaken for a seasoned athlete as she took the gold medal in the 400m.
Sheffield believes deeply in the power of the human mind. He says physical capabilities can only bring an athlete so far. The extra push comes from the mental aspect.
“You capture a great moment by creating an environment that is conductive for greatness and letting the human spirit do the rest.”
Sheffield's stories from the memorable event seem to be never ending. The wisdom and experience is palpable the further into detail he goes. He is eager to bring his previous and newly gained knowledge to the student-athletes of MSUM. An aggressive atmosphere is what Sheffield thinks is needed to help the Dragons' team reach the next level for a national championship.
“Champions aren't made in humble environments. They are made in hostile environments.”
The Dragons took home both the indoor and outdoor Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference titles last season. The team finished third at the NSIC Indoor Championships on Feb. 24, 2012. MSUM still holds the title as reigning outdoor champions but trail only Minnesota State Mankato in the 2012 Preseason Coaches Poll.
With the MSUM outdoor track and field season just underway, the winning ways seem to be carrying over for Sheffield in his first season with the team. In the first meet of the 2012 outdoor season, the Dragons took home nine first place finishes. A run in the 100m dash gave Dragons track athlete Derek Bredy the first NSIC Men's Outdoor Track Athlete of the Week honor of the season.
Sheffield thinks that with the appropriate mindset and physical training, champions can and should result from the Dragons track and field team.
Dragons tracksters benefit from world class coaching - WDAY
