June 2, 2013
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By Jenna Marina
UCFAthletics.com
ORLANDO, Fla. (UCFAthletics.com) - As six Knights embark on a cross-country trip to Eugene, Ore., the journey will mark a significant milestone for long jumper Jen Clayton and sprinter Alexis Faulknor: Their first NCAA Championships.
The pair has received advice from teammates and coach Caryl Smith Gilbert on what to expect, especially when it comes to blocking out distractions and focusing on executing. Still, nothing can quell the excitement of competing on collegiate track and field's grandest stage in front of a national television audience.
Faulknor, who compete in the 100 meters and 4x100 relay, has laced up her spikes at historic Hayward Field before. The Los Angeles native competed there as a child, but she expects her experience this time will be much different.
"I'm excited because I made it all the way. I didn't make it in indoors, and I really wanted to make it outdoors," Faulknor said. "Now, I'm just focused on making it to the finals because that's what really counts."
Clayton is the east region's top performer in the long jump and is ranked seventh overall heading into the finals.
"I'm not as nervous as I thought I would be because coach (Paul) Brown has been instilling a lot confidence in me," Clayton said. "I'm happy I'm going now because I feel like I'm in the right mindset and prepared compared to years before. It comes with a lot of responsibility and maturity. I'm looking forward to competing out there in front of everybody and showing Jen Clayton is back and she's going to wow the crowd."
At the indoor championships, sprinters Aurieyall Scott and Octavious Freeman scored 30 points in two events for a team finish of fifth place. With six competitors holding eight entries - the most entries by a non-BCS women's program - in five events, the group is hoping for a fantastic finish to 2013.
"It's only six people, but these six people are ranked nationally top 10. It means a lot because if you take away just one name, the team dynamic decreases by so much," Clayton said. "Everybody's performance counts. We all need to push each other and work on the track."
The NCAA Championships will broadcast live on the ESPN network:
June 6 at 6:50 p.m. ET: ESPN3
June 7 at 7:30 p.m. ET: ESPNU
June 8 at 5 p.m. ET: ESPNU