The University of Mississippi Athletics
Hicks Takes Track And Field Scene By Storm
6/28/2002 | Track and Field
June 28, 2002
OXFORD, Miss. - Antwon Hicks has officially stormed onto the world track and field scene. The Ole Miss rising sophomore recently won the 110-meter hurdles at the U.S. Junior National meet, beating his nearest competitor by a full quarter-second. By placing in the top three at the U.S. meet, Hicks advanced to the World Junior Championships to be held in Kingston, Jamaica in July.
Prior to the competition, Hicks said that he would be disappointed with anything less than victory, and left more than satisfied after setting a new meet record with his time of 13.60.
"I went to Junior Nationals in 1999 and I didn't make the team. I came in sixth," said Hicks. "I decided whenever it came up again, I was gonna make it the team for sure."
Success is nothing new to Hicks. He led his Hot Springs (Ark.) High School track team to three outdoor and two indoor state championships, and hasn't let up since moving up to the collegiate level. Earlier this year, Hicks became only the second Ole Miss freshman to score in the NCAA's national competition, placing fifth in the 110-meter hurdles.
His quick adjustment to the collegiate track scene surprised even himself. Upon entering Ole Miss, Hicks' goal was to run the 110-meter hurdles in 13.90. By the end of the year, he had set a new school record by clocking in at 13.59 at the NCAA championships.
"Coming into the year, my expectations were not that high," said Hicks, an exercise science major. "Being a freshman, I didn't want to put too much pressure on myself, but I went beyond my expectations."
One person that was not surprised at Hicks' impressive debut season was Ole Miss head coach Joe Walker.
"You just can't say enough good things about Antwon," said Walker. "He does almost everything right. He has that great combination of having a quiet humbleness and yet an intense arrogance inside. He believes he can out run anybody, anywhere, anytime."
Always modest, Hicks shies away from Walker's praise.
"I'm not so much arrogant," said Hicks. "I'm very quiet and modest, but I use that as a hurdler. Most hurdlers are quiet. We have to be focused because we're running against barriers."
While Hicks is also a talented high jumper, he says the 110-meter hurdles has always been an appealing event because it requires both speed and skill.
"I've been hurdling since the first meet I ever went to," said Hicks. "At the end of high school I was probably a better high jumper, but now hurdles are my best event. I have a greater passion for the hurdles and it is starting to show."
Despite his quick success, Hicks says he doesn't feel any added pressure when he competes. "Coach Walker is a great motivator," said Hicks. "He always stresses to me to not feel like I'm under any pressure and that allows me to relax and focus on the task at hand."
According to Hicks, that task is to become the top hurdler in the NCAA by the end of his collegiate career. He hopes to run professionally after college, and is also interested in coaching. But for now, Hicks knows it all starts with getting better everyday.
"You have to work hard," said Hicks. "You have to stay on yourself and stay motivated, because the competition is always going to be coming for you."