Current Journal

Breaking Through (October 20, 2004)

Andrew's Facts & Figures

Sponsor: adidas Training Shoe: adidas Supernova Cushion Racing Shoe: adidas Lightsprint or adidas Demolisher Agent: Mark Wetmore Coach: Mark Guthrie Height/Weight: 6-1/175 Birthday: January 23, 1982 College: University of Wisconsin (La Crosse) ‘04 Personal Bests: Outdoor Indoor 200 20.84 2003 400 44.66 2004 200 21.74 2003 400 46.01 2005 45.82o 2004 600 1:18.53 2004

Twenty-three-year-old 400 sprinter Andrew Rock was one of the revelations of the ’04 season. Rock had drawn notice in ’03 when he raced 45.29 to win the NCAA Div. III title following a 20.84 clocking for 200 earlier in the year.

It was clear Rock had wheels--and became clearer still when he improved to 45.23 at the Mt. SAC Relays last spring--but would a Div. III athlete be able to find enough competition after his collegiate Nationals in late May to break through to the next level? With a 44.66 in early June, Rock answered an emphatic yes.

At the Olympic Trials in July, his 44.95 (44.97 heat) garnered 6th, and Rock was selected for the Olympic relay pool. He went on to run in the heats for the victorious U.S. 4x4 squad. Read on to hear Rock tell it in his own words. And don't forget his name for the future.