As a sports writer, you see many different athletes and once in a while you come across one who makes you say "wow."
The first time I ever saw Chelsea Carrier-Eades compete as a freshman at Buckhannon-Upshur High School, I remember thinking to myself "this girl has a great future ahead of her."
Four years later, Carrier -Eades left B-U as the most decorated track star in school history. She not only set nine school records for the Lady Bucs, but also collected four West Virginia state marks.
So when she decided to attend West Virginia University on a track scholarship, I thought she had accomplished everything she set out to do. She had found greatness.
I mean here's an athlete from the area who got a Division I scholarship to West Virginia University. What else is there?
For Carrier-Eades, much, much more. She didn't stop at just being a great high school athlete, she excelled at the next level.
Just two weeks ago, Carrier-Eades capped off a brilliant career for the Mountaineers with a third-place showing in the heptathlon at the 2012 NCAA Outdoor Track and Field Championships in Des Moines, Iowa. She also placed seventh in the country in the 100-meter hurdles at the event.
Doesn't get any better than that does it? I mean what else is there?
How about the Olympics. That's right those Olympics, where the greatest athletes in the world compete on the biggest of all stages.
The eight-time All-American will be looking to qualify for the 2012 Olympic Games in London at the U.S. Olympic Trials, which get under way today in Eugene, Oregon.
Carrier-Eades will be competing in the heptathlon and the 100-meter high hurdles.
If she finishes in the top three in either event, she will represent the United States in London.
With everything Carrier-Eades has already accomplished, it wouldn't be a surprise at all to see her wearing the red, white and blue overseas.
And not only will it be an exciting time for her and her family if she does qualify, but the entire state of West Virginia will become huge Carrier-Eades fans. That's especially true for the immediate area if they're not already among the fan base.
So get the TV?clicker out and tune in to either NBC?or the NBC?Sports Network the next two days to see if you can catch a glimpse of Carrier-Eades chasing greatness.
n n n
Carrier-Eades Events Schedule
100m hurdles
Today - First round at 8:40 p.m. (32 competitors)
Saturday- Semifinals at 6:15 p.m. (Top 18 from first round). Finals at 8:45 p.m. (Top eight from semifinals)
Heptathlon
Today - 100-meter hurdles at 1:30 p.m.
Today - High jump at 2:30 p.m.
Today - Shot put at 4:15 p.m.
Today - 200-meter dash at 5:15 p.m.
Saturday - Long jump at 6 p.m.
Saturday - Javelin throw at 7:15 p.m.
Saturday - 800-meter run at 9:20 p.m.
