Roberts brings big time running talent, big goals to CU
by Jim Sawin, sports information intern
CEDARVILLE, Ohio (12-20-2006) - The pressure of high expectations put on athletes isn't always fair, but it is a reality. Some athletes live up to the hype while others seem to crumble underneath its demands. This past fall, one of the top recruits in the nation, Daniel Roberts, decided to turn down big colleges such as Notre Dame, North Carolina State, and Liberty in order to display his talents at a Christian school in Ohio called Cedarville University.
The freshman phenom dazzled audiences in his first collegiate cross country season, claiming the American Mideast Conference/NAIA Region IX individual title and adding two All-American awards to his repertoire (NCCAA and NAIA). After struggling in his first race because of a sinus problem, Roberts consistently ran in the #1 position for the Yellow Jackets. The two-time Foot Locker Cross Country Nationals contender led his squad to a 2nd-place finish at NCCAA Nationals accompanied by a runner-up performance of his own. The team also finished in the top ten at NAIA Nationals where Roberts ran a gutsy race on a torn up 8K course, completing the pursuit in 24:43, good for 5th place overall.
"The course was running about 40 seconds slow that day," commented head men's cross country coach Paul Orchard. "The guy that Daniel just beat out at the line ran 24 minutes flat earlier in the season on that same course. So, the time Daniel ran is somewhat deceiving; he was much quicker. He just continued to get better as the season progressed."
Daniel attributed his spectacular season to a number of influential people in his life, one of whom is Trent Sanderson, his personal trainer from last year. Roberts attended Vicksburg High School in Michigan for three years before transferring for his senior year to Crested Butte Academy in Colorado to train with Sanderson.
"I was pretty much ready to quit running competitively because I was so burned out," said Roberts. "I always wanted to go to Colorado and train, and it was kind of a last resort to get my passion back. Coach Sanderson really taught me to make running fun no matter where I am. He brought back my love for running."
While training in Colorado, Roberts made his decision to attend Cedarville University. His older sister Sarah is responsible for sparking Daniel's initial interest in the school, as she attended the university from 2000-2004. She also was a NAIA All-American cross country and track runner during her time at CU.
"Sarah told me about her little brother when he was a freshman in high school, but I didn't think much of it at first because a lot of people tell me how good their little brothers are," Orchard said. "I went to his state meet his sophomore year and watched him win the mile and two mile. I knew at that time he was special. I also went to see him run at Foot Locker Nationals in San Diego. He finished 12th as a senior at that race; that means he was the 12th-best high school runner in the entire nation that year."
Foot Locker Nationals was a turning point in Daniel's career. It was the first time he fully realized his potential as a runner.
"Foot Locker Nationals really puts it in perspective because they tell us we are the future Olympians," commented Roberts, who holds the high school Michigan state record in the mile (4:09.45). "When you see yourself on FOX Sports and hear the expectations they have for you over the airways, it's very humbling."
Despite his exceptional giftedness as a runner, Daniel is a humble young man who gives God the glory for the talents He has given him.
Roberts explained, "Ultimately, at the forefront of my athletic career is how I glorify God. He taught me in coming here that running can be an act of worship, but athletics isn't everything. If I break my leg, my running career is likely over. I want to make the most of my academic opportunities as well, learning to use my faith wherever God puts me in the future."
Daniel is majoring in physics and is open to whatever path God has for him.
"I'd like to be a youth pastor, defend my faith using physics, own a shoe company, and write some books later on in life," Roberts stated.
The freshman holds a good balance of both academic and athletic dreams and goals. Roberts is focusing on NAIA competition for the upcoming track and field season, but has not limited himself to that challenge alone.
"I'll likely train for the 5K while I'm at Cedarville," said Roberts. "If you want to be competitive on a USA team, it is highly beneficial to be a sub-50-second 400 meter runner, so I would like to focus on the shorter events this year to increase my foot speed. You have to take little steps to get where you want to be."
Making a USA team is not out of the question for this young man; he might even do it while at CU.
"I've learned by working with Daniel this year that he's very motivated, and we've talked about what he wants to accomplish," stated Orchard. "He would like to eventually compete in a USA national meet, possibly while he's still in college. I have to reevaluate what I think he's capable of doing after his outstanding cross season. You can't put a limit on what he can do."
Daniel will bring a lot of depth to the Yellow Jacket track and field squad, as he will be competitive in any event from the 400 meters to the 10K. While Roberts will focus on the shorter events for his first track season, it will be interesting to see his advancement toward his goals throughout his career at CU.
