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DEREK JOHNSON @DJohnson1510
Former Kansas track star Michael Stigler exhausted his collegiate eligibility after the NCAA Outdoor Championships last week. He immediately goes from top dog at the NCAA level to the new guy as he transitions to the professional level.
Stigler's first endeavors beyond the University begin on June 25 at the USA Championships.
Now back in Kansas, Stigler is preparing for the 2015 USA Track and Field Outdoor Championships. He opted to return to Lawrence instead of staying in Eugene, Ore., where both the NCAA and USA Outdoors are held this year.
"As long as [sprints and hurdles] coach [Elisha] Brewer is here, I'm going to be here," Stigler said. "I trust my coaching staff here. We have a great coaching staff here with Coach [Stanley] Redwine and Coach Brewer."
Stigler will enter the USA Outdoor Championships as a bit of an underdog. Bershawn Jackson (48.09 seconds), Johnny Dutch (48.13 seconds) and Michael Tinsley (48.34 seconds) have all recorded better times in the 400-meter hurdles this year than Stigler's 48.44 seconds.
Stigler needs to finish in the top
three to guarantee a spot at the World Championships in Beijing. Tinsley has an automatic bid, so if Stigler finishes fourth with Tinsley ahead of him, Stigler would still go to Beijing.
However, Stigler won't settle for squeaking into the World Championships.
"I know that I'm ready to run with these guys, and I'm sure they know it as well," Stigler said. "I know they're waiting for me. When the day comes, we'll be lacing them up and ready to go."
Stigler finished second in the USA Championships in 2014 behind Johnny Dutch. His first run this year takes place June 25. The semifinals and finals kick off on June 26 and 27, respectively.
The next year and a half for track includes two USA Outdoor Championships, the 2015 World Championships, the Olympic Trials and the 2016 Olympics. Stigler, fresh off a national championship, is already back at work.
"I'll be here year-round," he said. "My training pretty much is going to stay the same — continue lifting and coming out here on the track busting my tail off to try and make this world team."
Stigler's personal best of 48.44 seconds at the Texas Relays does not
guarantee him a spot on the Olympic team in 2016. Although his time gives him the fourth best in the world, Stigler must compete with the three ahead of him for limited spots on the U.S. Track and Field squad.
The 2020 Olympics provide a strong backup option for Stigler. He would get extra time to bulk up and prepare as a professional. But making the 2016 Olympics is still the goal.
"Personally, I don't think he has to wait four more years," Brewer said. "I really think he has a great opportunity and a great chance to make that team next year."
Transitioning to professional life is tougher for Stigler this year. His competition consists of experienced professionals, who have the benefit of being in the middle of track season. Stigler just finished his collegiate track year and must now begin a new season.
Jackson, a four-time USA Outdoor Champion, is helping Stigler bridge the gap between the collegiate and professional life.
"[Jackson's] been a mentor for me. I met him right after high school," Stigler said. "He's really a guy that I looked up to and a guy who's going to help me transition and adjust to the professional life."
Stigler plans to graduate from the University in December with a major in communications. Brewer said Stigler will most likely be an undergraduate coach in the fall and a volunteer coach post-graduation.
Not only will Stigler get to train in Lawrence after graduation, but he
will also learn about a career he is interested in pursuing after track.
"He wants to go into coaching," Brewer said. "I think this gives him an opportunity to not only train underneath me but also work with me as well, to kind of learn the other side."