Ferguson looks to score a national title (USCsports.com) |
Just a freshman. That's what people are still amazed about the young Ken Ferguson
of South Carolina who has proven to be one of the best hurdlers in the country
right now. You don't find many athletes who excel at both the 110 and 400 meter
hurdles as well.
The Detroit, Michigan native ran a school and personal record time of 48.79
in the 400 meter hurdles to earn his first SEC crown last month in Tennessee.
The nation's top-ranked 400 meter hurdler also went on to a second-place finish
in the 110 meter hurdles with a personal-best time of 13.53. It was also the
third-fastest time recorded in school history.
It was a struggle at the East Regional meet hosted by George Mason over the
weekend as Ferguson failed to make finals in both events due to a nagging leg
injury. Due to the wild-card rule, Ferguson's times in both events was enough
to push him ahead to the NCAA finals in Sacramento anyway.
"I'm getting better by the day but I'm still a bit sore," said
the indoor All-American. "I don't like the new format of the regional
system as it felt like a last chance meet as I could of been resting at school
but since the new rule came into place I had to take a big risk in racing that
ended up irritating my leg."
There have been plenty of discussion after the new regional format is now in
place among some of the athletes. Ferguson hopes that the national meet will
have better luck on his side.
"Don't get me wrong as I'm not blaming anyone or anything for my recent
injury," as he explained. "Overall it was a good experience and there
are plenty of people who now have an opportunity to compete at the national
meet who perhaps couldn't have last year."
Looking ahead to the NCAA finals in Sacramento, Ferguson is willing to accept
any challenges as he will compete in the 110 hurdles, 400 hurdles and 4x400
meter relay.
"I just want to finish this season strong as I possibly can by just giving
it my best as that's all you can really ask for," said Ferguson. "The
110 hurdles is what is really going to be exciting and a challenge for me as
I would like to be the best short and long hurdler in the nation."
The training heading into the NCAA meet will also be crucial as Ferguson prepares
for the biggest meet of the season so far.
"The next couple of days heading into the meet is going to be strictly
focusing on recovering," said Ferguson. "I'm just going to leave it
up to my coach and I know for sure we're going to get the work done right."
As everyone knows from last season, South Carolina has a 4x400 meter relay title
to defend. In one of the most exciting events of the meet from last year at LSU,
Ferguson hopes to add that spark again and not let anyone else take what is
theirs.
"I'm really looking forward to the relay as it's always a fun event to
run and is a favorite of mine," said Ferguson. "It was a little tough
in the beginning for us because of all the injuries, but we're over them now
and ready to see what we can when it counts. We also have a score to settle
between LSU and TCU and I wish everyone the best of luck at the meet."
Ferguson and the Gamecocks next head to the NCAA Championships beginning June
11 in Sacramento. The meet spans four days at Hornet Field on the campus of
Sacramento State University.