Darroneshia Lott Qualifies for 800-Meter Final at NCAA Championships
Lott will contend in Saturday's 800-meter National Championship race
CHARLOTTE, N.C.- Senior runner Darroneshia Lott ran her second-fastest career time in the 800-meter event with the mark of 2:05.47 on Friday (May 25). Lott's time in the 800-meter preliminary race secures her a position to contend for the National Championship race on Saturday, May 26 at 5:15 p.m.
Darroneshia Lott made another mark on her career at Coker College as she lifted her arms in triumph striding across the finish line to take first place in the third heat of the women's 800-meter preliminary race on Friday, May 25.
Lott's time of 2:05.47 is her second-fastest 800-meter time in her career. Additionally, Lott ran the second fastest time of the day, just 0:00.23 seconds behind the leader Skylyn Webb of University of Colorado- Colorado Springs.
Heading into today's event, head track and field coach Tom Scott delivered a message to Lott. "I told her a few race tactics that were going to be vital to her success, but the big one was to believe and have confidence in herself." Words from a head coach can go far with an athlete, and they stuck with 'Slim for certain. "I told her that no matter how good or bad she felt, she was going to have to fight to get through the finals because it's never easy making an NCAA Championship Final," Scott said.
Lott ran an uncharacteristic 64-second first lap and responded with a 61-second second lap. "It's almost unheard of in the 800-meter" Scott proclaimed. "She is feeling good and is racing with a lot of confidence."
The Pensacola, Fla. native has an incredibly impressive track record, now being able to run in both the indoor and outdoor Division II National Championship 800-meter races in the same season.
Heading into tomorrow's championship race, Lott said that it is a "huge relief, especially after yesterday's race (1500-meter preliminary) and has boosted my confidence."
With final remarks, Scott added, "Tomorrow is anybody's race, but I'm confident in what she can do. We're excited for an opportunity to do something very special tomorrow."
Lott will run the 800-meter National Championship race tomorrow, Saturday, May 26 at 5:15 p.m. Live video and stats can be found by visiting www.cokercobras.com.