Nick Scudder is heading to Stillwater, Oklahoma, to represent Charlotte at the NCAA Cross Country Championships on Saturday. This comes after Scudder won the individual championship at the NCAA Southeast Regionals. That win made Scudder the first Charlotte male athlete to win the southeast regional, with Carolina Sang taking home the individual championship on the women's side in 2017. It was an accomplishment that Scudder worked very hard for and is very proud of.
"With about a hundred meters to go I noticed Parker [Wolfe] wasn't picking it up anymore and that I had a shot at it", said Scudder. "So, I just worked as hard as I could and pushed myself to the finish."
A win like that is very special to the program, and goes to show what coach Joseph Lynn has been able to build in his time here at Charlotte. To have two regional champions, one on each side, in the last six years shows the continued growth of the program and shows promise for the years to come. Lynn is proud of these achievements and where the program has come these last few years.
"It is our first men's regional champion in program history", said Lynn. "We had Caroline Sang on the women's side win in 2017, so to have two in our program in the last six years in this very tough region is a big accomplishment. It's something that we don't take for granted and is definitely something we are very proud of as a program."
For Scudder to achieve what he wants to on Saturday, we will go against not only some of the best runners in the country, but one of the most challenging courses as well. The course in Stillwater is challenging, but Scudder has faced it before. Scudder along with the rest of the 2020 men's team qualified for the NCAA Championships, which was held at the OSU Cross Country Course in Stillwater. Scudder finished 76th overall, and will look to improve on that finish this time. Coach Lynn thinks he has it in him, but knows the challenge Scudder will face on Saturday.
"We are very familiar with the course being we ran there in 2020", said Lynn. "Our number one goal is to finish top-40 and get all-American, we think that should be pretty attainable. Obviously, he wants to be in that top group, and we've talked about race scenarios and how we see that race playing out. What he has to be ready for and, and that is the big thing to just be ready and put yourself in a good position. When moves are made or some breakaway happens, you put yourself in a position to react to it. The course is a very challenging course. It's a very beautiful course, they have invested a lot of resources and funding into that facility over the last five years and it's a beautiful course. Probably one of the best courses in the country, but it's challenging. There are some monster hills out there, so he just has to be ready to work through those. More importantly when you get out of those regroup and regather yourself, and not focus on how tough it was. Just stay focused on running the race and running with the people that are around you."
Scudder wants to improve on his performance from 2020 this year. It is one of his goals as he heads into this weekend's race. Now two years from that performance, he feels he has not only improved as a runner physically, but also mentally. He will take his improved skill set and look to make his mark at the NCAA Championships. Taking everything he knows about the course and his experience over his career to run a smart and effective race.
"So luckily we made it two years ago and I didn't run the smartest race there", said Scudder. "So, I'm really looking forward to use what I know about the course and how much smarter I am as a runner now to show how fit I am. Those hills aren't easy, but this time I won't go out so early like I did last time. I just have to pace myself and keep relaxed and stay strong on those hills."
Scudder will look to be one of the top runners at the meet, and continue the form that got him there. He has his goals set for what he is looking to achieve, now just comes executing on race day. He is excited about the opportunity and is looking to make a little noise at the championships.
"So, all-American is top-40, but I think getting top-20 is my main goal", said Scudder. I think I have shown that I can do that throughout the year, but I just have to show that and do it on the day. That's what it's all about, the big dance.
Tune into ESPNU at 11:00 A.M. for full coverage of the Men's 10K at the NCAA Cross Country Championships. You can also follow live stats for the meet here. Follow the team @CharlotteTFXC on Twitter and @charlotte49ertfxc on Instagram for team updates before the race.
Original source can be found here.
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