Andrews gained important experience at USATF nationals

BY TIM MORRIS
Staff Writer

Robby Andrews left the USA Track and Field Championships humbled, but also wiser and more excited about his racing career than ever before.

Andrews, a two-time NCAA champion at 800 meters, made his debut at the USA Track and Field Senior Championships at Hayward Field on the campus of the University of Oregon in Eugene, June 23-26. He was competing against Olympians and professionals for the first time, seeking a berth in the world championships.

At 20 years of age, Andrews, a Manalapan High School graduate, was conceding physical maturity and experience to the veteran professionals. Yet, he left his mark by surviving through two heats and advancing to the June 26 final in the 800.

“That [reaching the 800 final] was the main goal going into the weekend,” he said. “Unfortunately, nothing went right in the final.”

Andrews finished eighth in the 800 final in a time of 1:51.68, which is well off his personal best time of 1:44.71 for the event. He had comfortably qualified for the final in the heats that were held on June 23-24.

“I felt real good before the race,” Andrews said. “I got out well and was in the lead pack at 300 meters. After the third 100, I started getting dropped.”

Andrews said he tried to keep everyone in sight, but it was a struggle, especially with the opening quarter going in 50.8 seconds. The second 400 meters was no better as Andrews saw the country’s best 800-meter runner, Nick Symmonds, win his fourth national championship in 1:44.17.

What impressed Andrews the most about the professionals is how they can still “kick so fast off a fast pace.”

“They are so great,” Andrews said. “They are 28 and 30 years old. They are men and have all that experience. They are just stronger than me.”

Andrews singled out Symmonds in particular, pointing out that when he, Andrews, won the NCAA outdoor title this spring, he closed in 26.4 for the last 200 meters, while in the USATF final, Symmonds closed in 25.9. That is a world of difference in track.

“You can’t emulate that,” Andrews said of Symmonds’ speed.

Although humbled, he said the trip to Oregon was far from a lost weekend. Andrews, who will be a junior at the University of Virginia this fall, said he enjoyed hanging out with the professionals and came away from the meet smarter for having been there and competing.

“I had a lot of fun,” he said. “The experience I gained is going to be invaluable the next couple of years.”

Andrews said he cannot wait to get started on his 2011-12 campaign. Knowing what it takes to compete with the country’s best runners has made him more determined than ever to reach that level.

“I’m excited. I’m looking forward to the cross country season and to getting stronger and more fit,” he said.