By Jim Fenton, Staff Writer
May 23, 2013
Worcester, MA --- He had an unforgettable debut at the NCAA Div. 3 Track & Field Championships during the indoor season in March.
Worcester State University sophomore Terrence Gibson of Rockland, seeded fifth in the field, became a national champion when he won the 60-meter hurdles in 8.04 seconds.
"It was such a thrill to see my name ahead of everyone else's name,'' said Gibson, "and to know that nobody beat me and I was the best one. It was really a great feeling.''
Eleven weeks later, Gibson is returning to the national scene after qualifying in the 110-meter hurdles at the NCAA outdoor championship meet, to be held at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse.
Gibson is seeded fourth in the nation with a school-record time of 14.37 seconds and will take part in the preliminary race on Friday night with the final on Saturday afternoon.
"Going back, I'm feeling a little bit more comfortable because now I know what to do,'' said Gibson. "I know some of the competitors. I know who my competition is going to be. I feel a little bit more relaxed than I did indoors.''
In March, Gibson set the Worcester State record and ran the fastest time at the North Central College facility while winning the national title, becoming the first member of the Lancers' program to accomplish the feat.
"My first goal going to the nationals was to be an All-American, make the final heat,'' said Gibson. "Once that I got that accomplished and knowing I had the second-fastest time going into that final heat, I knew I had a realistic chance to win the nationals.''
The championship put the finishing touches on a superb indoor season for Gibson, who had struggled with a hamstring ailment for most of his freshman year.
Gibson, an Enterprise All-Scholastic in football, basketball and track, was injured while training in the fall of 2011 and spent a long time trying to get the hamstring healthy.
By the end of the spring season in 2012, Gibson showed his potential, winning the 200-meter race at the Massachusetts State Collegiate Athletic Conference championship meet and earning All-New England honors.
When Gibson's sophomore year arrived, he was focused on making up for lost time.
"It was real frustrating,'' said Gibson. "I know I promised myself that this year, I wouldn't be stopped like I was freshman year.
"I was definitely determined. I pretty much wanted to come out of nowhere and have people react like, 'Where did this kid come from?' I did want to be an unknown.''
Gibson will be known when he lines up at the NCAA meet this week after his incredible debut on the national level in March.
He put together a productive spring season, winning the MASCAC championship in the hurdles, placing second at the New England Div. 3 and ECAC meets and sixth at the All-New England meet.
"My chances are pretty high, I think,'' said Gibson. "If I just keep doing what I've been doing, I'll be fine. I want to get a clean race. If I do that, I am confident I can make it to the final heat.
"It's just great (not being hurt). I just love to compete. Last year was tough not being able to get out there.''