The Michigan Daily - Monday, June 9, 2003 - 11 TRACK Continued from Page 10 other? Perhaps, but these running sensa- tions have obviously shown that "divide and conquer" is not the way they choose to play the game. Foreigners in Our Midst Although Brannen and Willis may represent the nationally-loved athletic program at Michigan, both have their hearts and homes elsewhere on the globe. Brannen hails from Ontario, Canada, while Willis comes from Lower Hutt, New Zealand. "The (running) competition and the schooling are just much better in the States than in Canada," Brannen said. Ironically, Brannen didn't start run- ning until he hit high school. "I used to play hockey actually," Brannen said. "And then through con- nections with people I knew, I started going to the track club" Throughout high school, the sopho- more racked up awards and records for his phenomenal running abilities, including becoming a three-time Ontario champion in the 1,500-meter run and two-time Ontario champion in the 800-meter run. Willis got his start on the track at a much younger age. "My brother is eight years older than me and he always did track, so I started when I was four years old," Willis said. According to Willis, there is never a shortage of beautiful places to run in New Zealand. In fact, one of the run- ner's normal training courses goes right through one of the areas where "The Lord of the Rings" trilogy was filmed. But when it came time to choose a university, Willis' brother encouraged him to come to the United States. "My brother actually went to a col- lege in Colorado, Wesley College, and he was a Division II champion," Willis said. "I chose Michigan because of the coaches - I knew Ron (Warhurst) would be a good coach for me and I knew I would get to run with Nate." Amaizin' Blue Achievements Since the boys arrived at Michigan, each has demonstrated his respective talents in the running domain. After training together for two months in the summer of last year, Brannen and Willis ran together com- petitively for the first time on Michi- gan's cross-country team in the fall. Often finishing one after the other, the pair led the team to an eighth place fin- ish at the NCAA Championships. "Don't let your HAIR e ahead of 99 A ARBERS ESTABLISHED 1939 NEW LOCATION 304 1/2 S. STATE ST. 2ND FLOOR ANN ARBOR, MI 48104 668 9329 W WW.DASCOLABARBERS.COM BY APPOINTMENT "Nate helped in cross-country espe- Willis explained that each has his own teammates, neither runner lets success cially because we're both pretty inexpe- unique way of getting there. go to his head. rienced for that event," Willis said. "To "We're totally different runners," "Nate and Nick do a great job of han- keep your concentration for 10,000 Willis said. "Nate's got a lot more dling their success," Waits said. "Great meters is tough, but runners don't need to we had each other to talk about how fast run with. It doesn't they can run - they really bother me at all just show it." if he beats me, and "I actually look I'm sure it doesn't down to him," said 6- bother him if I beat foot-2 teammate Kaj him." Johansson jokingly During the indoor about 5-f&t-9 Bran- track season, both nen, "No, I actually runners continued to look up to him on the flourish. Brannen track - he just acts became the Big Ten like another guy on and NCAA champion the team." in the 800-meter run, Off the track, Bran- while. Willis was nen and Willis are named Big Ten Con- close friends and ference Freshman of teammates describe the Year and won the them as "great guys to 3000-meter run at the be around" Big Ten Champi- , -t.' "We can go hang onships. Brannen and Akout and we have a Willis also became great friendship the fifth and sixth between us that Wolverines ever to makes it a lot easier run a sub-four minute on the track," Bran- mile, respectively. nen said. "I think with Nick here this year, it's Future Gold really helped both of Medalists? us achieve what we've This Wednesday, wanted to," said Bran- Brannen and Willis nen about his step up will fly to Sacramento in achievements from and compete in the last year. "I felt like NCAA Outdoor Track when (All-American Championships. Bran- Alan) Webb was here, nen will compete in we were just racing the 800-meter run, each other. But this and Willis will take year with Willis, part in the 1,500 meter we're really working run. Both want to win, together and pulling SETH LOWER/Dily but Willis - who has each other along." Nick Willis (left) and Nate Brannen will head to the NCAA Championships yet to win an NCAA The outdoor track Wednesday to compete in the 1,500 and 800-meter runs, respectively. championship - season has also treated the two favor- explosive speed than I do. He's stronger stressed that he would be content even if ably. Brannen won the 800-meter run than me, yet I'm bigger and have a bit he didn't come in first. at the Big Ten Championships, and more endurance - but we pretty much If Brannen wins in the 800-meter Willis secured the 1,500-meter title at come out the same in our races." run, it will be his second NCAA Cham- the same event. Just last weekend, both The runners don't rely on only natu- qualified with their 800-meter (Bran- ral ability to achieve such fast times. nen) and 1,500-meter (Willis) times to Warhurst said both run between 45 and H lu earn spots at the NCAA Outdoor Track 55 miles a week during cross-country.gu Championships, which start Wednes- That mileage is intensified during the day in Sacramento, Calif. indoor and outdoor track seasons, "They're both very competitive and increasing to 75-80 miles a week. they're not afraid to race people," Having already achieved a lot at Warhurst said. "Racing at this level, you Michigan, both runners serve as role heigh have to be very strong emotionally and models for their teammates. mentally. You have to have a tremendous "Having Nate and Nick on the teamS e desire or you'll just fall by the wayside." does nothing but make everyone better," Although Brannen and Willis usually sophomore Seth Waits said. cross the finish line with similar times, According to Warhurst and other pionship title, as he already holds the indoor title. But the runners are looking farther ahead than just the nationals for their next goal. Shortly after returning from " Sacramento, Brannen and Willis will head to Europe for two weeks and try to achieve qualifying times set by their respective countries for the 2004 Olympics. Warhurst and the runners believe they havea good shot. "Nate will probably run the 800," Warhurst said. "And then if Nick runs 3:36, he'll probably get chosen for the 1,500." "It's a dream of mine," said Willis about going to the Olympics. "New Zealand has had three world record holders and Olympic gold medalists in the 1,500. I don't know if it's whether I feel it's my responsibility, but I'd cer- tainly like to keep the tradition going if I'm able to." Brannen also dreams of one day earn-. ing a gold medal in the Olympics for Canada, and said that he doesn't think this goal is too big for him to achieve. "You set goals and once you achieve them, the goals don't seem as big as they were before," Brannen said. "Thinking about it beforehand, you think, 'Wow, that'd be really amazing to accomplish,' but once you do, it's just another thing. My goals just keep get- ting higher and higher." Brannen and Willis may be celebri- ties in the track world, but off the field they are just normal college students, trying to enjoy their time at Michigan. "They're just like the rest of us, they just have a different mentality," Moore said. "They have to pick their times to have fun and when not to - they understand that getting out and doing things is important though. It's part of college." For all of their achievements on the track, Brannen and Willis still strive in their everyday endeavors. After all, the duo boasts something any college man would kill for - a clean house and a babe-magnet accent. HEALTHY, MEDICATION-FREE VOLUNTEERS, AGES 18-45, ARE NEEDED FOR A RESEARCH STUDY INVOLVING VISITS TO THE HOSPITAL AND BLOOD DRAWS. COMPENSATION MAY BE UP TO $200. FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL AMY AT 647-8354.