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DarNell Talbert (University of Michigan - former Mt. Carmel HS, San Diego)

DarNell Talbert, former top San Diego section hurdler from Mt. Carmel HS, is currently in his sophomore year at the University of Michigan. He has had a great start to his career at the Big Ten University, with the academic and athletic reputation of the Midwestern school well-recognized nationally. With the big move far away, challenging academics, an athletic schedule that now has indoors as a whole big season in the middle of the year, we thought it would be interesting to talk to one Golden Stater who has wandered a ways away about how it is going. As Californians consider what to do after the prep years are over, it is interesting to hear DarNell's comments on the scene at a place where snow does fall!!

1) Briefly describe your successes at the high school and collegiate level during your running career--

High school track and club track really helped me get a good background to jump into D1 competition. Helping my school achieve 3rd in CIF may seem small to some, but it was big to us. We came from being rock-bottom. It taught me that anything is possible and with the right work ethic and positive attitude that great things can be done. I took that ideaology with me to the college level and use it today. I wasn't near being as good as the athletes there are in the Big 10, but with that work ethic I learned at Mt Carmel, it landed me a spot in the finals of the Championships in the 600 and the 2nd leg for the varsity 4x400 my freshman year.

2) Background to your choice to go so far from home for College at Univ of Michigan?

I chose Michigan first and foremost for its academic reputation. It was of course a change in scenery and weather, but it's good to try new environments. My recruiting trip helped a great deal because I got to know what my future teammates were like and we hit it off real well.

3) Any brief advice to high schoolers as they begin to consider college
choices for themselves?

Really, it's about going with your gut instinct. Go with what your heart tells you.

4) Adjustments to weather in another part of the country such as Michigan,
easy or hard, or----?

I get this question a lot! Oh my gosh! The weather here is crazy. It's like cold all the time. It was real hard getting used to snow being on the ground all the time. I mean, we'd go to Big Bear a lot and have fun in the snow, but then we'd return to San Diego's 60 degree, clear-skied, nice day and that was that! We of course have indoor training facilities and I hardly go outside except to walk to class and even then, I wear at least 3 layers of clothing. IT'S REAL COLD!

5) Describe what the differences in the athletic year from California due to indoor, then right into outdoor season for track, have been like for you--

My freshman year was kind of hard adjusting to this type of scheduling. We actually start training/conditioning in September, which was weird because I always played football and ran CC, so not much track stuff went on. We get into hardcore stuff come after Thanksgiving. We train all through Christmas break and come back to school in the new year running a meet that first week of January. It all just kind of comes at you. Not to mention the different races that are offered. In my conference we have the 600 meter sprint. I ended up making that my main event and it worked out well. The transition into outdoor season was difficult as well becuase you oinly have a week of getting to of going from a 200 meter track, to a 400. Then that season doesn't end till early June. If you can imagine all that running from Sept to June, it's A LOT! But I learned after that first year how to pace and adjust my body to the extended amount of work that I need to put forth.

6) Choice of major in college, easy or hard to make, any adjustments needed along the way - did you feel you were prepared for the academic load at Univ of Michigan level in high school?

I actually have two majors and two minors I'm working on. Movement Science (Body Mechanics) and Sports Management are my majors, while I'm minoring in Statistics and PE. It sounds like a lot and it is, but I have 5 years to do them and since we compete in the spring/summer, I take courses then as well. Mt. Carmel was a really good school and prepared me a great deal for college. Taking honors and AP courses really gave me that extra umph to transition from HS to Michigan.

7) Are sports generally looked upon as more special to people in the midwest, as opposed to out here in Southern California--do you feel more support for your activity generally you think because of the area of the nation you are in?

Well many people when they hear the name Michigan, they tend to think of the athletic greatness. I know I did even before I considered going here. Every year our school is ranked in the top 5 for sports because of the tradition of excellence that resides here. Looking at the big football rivalry between us and Ohio State is a prime example of how sports are viewed. I have to say, even bigger than UCLA vs USC. Also,I admit, I get treated with a special respect from community leaders and people all over the midwest when I wear the M on my athletic warm-ups or a Michigan Track & Field t-shirt.

8) Any general advice for a beginning hurdler you could pass on?
Work hard in the classroom and train hard on the track. When you hit a hurdle and fall (and you will!) you just got to pick yourself up and "get over it". And never lose sight of your goals.

Hope these help. Sorry it took a while (midterm season was in full force!) Take care and thanx again for keeping a cool website. Go Blue, - DarNell at Univ of Michigan Athletics
DarNell

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