Aadam Soorma is not the fastest Bobcat, but it does not keep him from enjoying himself.
The redshirt junior is in his second year at Ohio, following two years at Troy University (Ala.). Since joining the Bobcats, he has noticed a difference in competition.
In Troy
we competed in Division I Soorma said. But most of our meets were small and against lesser competition ' NAIA and Division II. At Ohio (the coaches) really want us to run against the best. Going to Notre Dame and Pre-Nationals ' that was unheard of at Troy.
Soorma left Troy after he said the coaches distanced themselves from the athletes. The coaches at Ohio are different, according to Soorma.
(The coaches) do a lot to help us get better
he said. They're so honest and open with you.
At Ohio, Soorma has become a leader on the team. He reaches out to teammates. Last year, he brought senior Jeremy Wolfe and redshirt sophomore Chris Davis closer to the team.
The coaches like his upbeat attitude and comedic acts as well.
(Soorma) is very light-hearted
coach Clay Calkins said. He breaks the sometimes monotonous day of a runner.
Also a transfer, sophomore Darby Mullen has helped the women's team.
In her first year with the Bobcats, Mullen finds herself running the team race at the Pre-Nationals tomorrow. This follows her victory in the open race at the All-Ohio Championships last Friday.
She transferred from Marshall University and has found the experience at Ohio to be much different.
I feel that I have been able to train with a great group of girls that have the same goals as I do
she said. They all want a (Mid-American Conference) championship
and they want to get better. Everything they do is to benefit the team. It's been a team experience
and I did not really have that at Marshall.
The coaches knew of her potential when she transferred.
We have no doubt based on the mileage that (Mullen) has ran in her past and the career she had at Marshall that she will be an impact player
assistant coach Mitch Bentley said.
Both teams run this weekend at the Pre-Nationals in Terre Haute, Ind.
Overall, 90 teams will be participating, 60 of them ranked nationally. The men's team will run against schools like No. 2 Oklahoma State and No. 6 Alabama, while the women's team will race against teams such as No. 4 Minnesota and No. 9 Michigan State.
The coaches know that the main objective is not to win the meet.
The main goal for (Ohio) at Pre-Nationals this year is to get the high level of competition in on both teams to try and prepare them for the MAC Championships
Calkins said.
