JEFFERSON CITY, Tenn. – Tanner Stepp (Jefferson City, TN), is officially headed to the NCAA Division II Track and Field Indoor Championships. The freshman is ranked number sixth in the nation in the men's high jump and will represent Carson-Newman in Birmingham, Ala. next week.
After missing a weekend competition due to unsafe road conditions, the Eagles traveled to Sewanee and won their final indoor meet of the season.
Stepp finished in first-place in the men's high jump, coming back into competition without even missing a beat. "We just kept practicing through the snow and kept on the track that we were on." Stepp said.
"Tanner has earned his trip to nationals with hard work and a willingness to embrace big challenges." coach David Needs said.
In his first year as a collegiate track and field athlete, Stepp has had much success so far this year. Qualifying as early in the season as he did has allowed him to relax just a little. But in this next meet, Stepp says, "The stakes are higher."
"Being ranked sixth is not an accident, his laid back demeanor conceals an athlete who has a strong desire to compete and win." Needs said.
When asked how he conveys the focus he has to his other teammates, Stepp encourages his teammates "to go out and do their best and not to worry about the rest of the competition."
Every athlete has his or her own way of preparing for competition, and Tanner Stepp is no different, as he gets ready for the NCAA D-II National Indoor Meet next week. "I [plan] to relax and let my legs recover, and think about what I need to do to be an All-American,"
"He is a great ambassador for our program and I know he will represent us well in Birmingham." Needs said.
The Eagles head to the NCAA D-II Track and Field Indoor Championships in Birmingham, AL next weekend. Cneagles.com will updates and other information regarding Stepp's trip to the Yellowhammer State.
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