May 5, 2006
NORMAL, Ill. -
Though she may be known on Illinois State's campus and within the Missouri Valley Conference, senior track and field student-athlete Lian Lucas was only a "face in the crowd" in this week's issue of Sports Illustrated.
This season, Lucas has already qualified for the NCAA Mideast Regional in three events. At the Sea Ray Relays in Knoxville, Tenn., on April 15, the St. James, Barbados, native qualified for the regional meet in both the 100 and 200-meters. However, the weekend prior at the Missouri Relays, Lucas teamed up with Devon Williams, Anna Lovell and Cherise Devers to run a regional qualifying time of 45.55 in that event as well. Lucas was also selected as the State Farm Missouri Valley Conference Female Runner of the Week on April 18.
Because of Lucas' performance on the track, Sports Illustrated selected her as one of the featured athletes in the "Faces in the Crowd" section of the magazine.
Head track and field coach Elvis Forde knew when Lucas stepped foot on Illinois State's campus, she would have an impact.
"When I recruited Lian, I knew she could be one of our star athletes," said Forde. "What she has done over the last three years at Illinois State is a reflection of her and how hard she has worked. She is truly deserving of any spotlight she receives."
With the State Farm Missouri Valley Conference Outdoor Championships right around the corner, May 12-14, Lucas has set her sights on defending her 100-meter and 4x400-meter relay titles from 2005. She would also like to claim the 200-meter title as well.
Lucas is proud of the honors and accomplishments she's garnered over the last three years, but never expected to be recognized in such a highly-touted magazine.
"I was so shocked," said Lucas. "I obviously had no idea I was going to be featured and never expected anything I have accomplished to be recognized nationally like this."
