Freshman Sportlight: Track and Field

Cole Erickson recently finished his first season as a Lawrence football player, as well as a short-distance runner and high jump competitor for the Lawrence University Men’s Indoor Track team. He will now compete for the Lawrence Outdoor Track and Field team as well. Their season starts April 11.

 

Where are you from? What drew you to Lawrence?

 

I’m from Appleton. I attended Appleton North High School. And what drew me to Lawrence was actually just seeing what else was out there. I actually took a big trip to Minnesota and saw a bunch of schools there, and it really made me see and appreciate what I had in my own backyard. Lawrence is just so much nicer. Plus, there’s the great academics here, and I get the opportunity to play football.

 

What do you like most about track and field?

 

For me, it’s actually trying something new. I’ve never run track before, so this is a new experience to me.

 

Given your skillset, what do you hope to bring to the team this year?

 

This year, I’m hoping to get the team a few extra points in the high jump, as well as the short-distance relays.

 

What has your athletic career so far here at Lawrence taught you about being successful academically as well?

 

Well, I’ve always known myself to be more productive when I keep myself busy. Keeping myself busy helps me stay on top of my academics. It sounds kind of counterintuitive that having a few different time commitments would help me, but it helps me create deadlines for myself.

 

How have the seniors on the track and field team helped you with your transition into this new sport?

 

They’ve been really welcoming and supportive. They have been showing me the ropes really well, and through their knowledge, they’re really showing me how to pull my own weight for this team.

 

If you could have any superpower, what would it be? Why?

 

I would want the ability to fly. I mean, come on, what’s more awesome than flying?