Sports Reporter
scschroc@mavs.coloradomesa.edu
Shane Niksic became the first CMU runner to compete in the National Championships on March 8, and earned a 10th place finish in the 800 Meter run at the NCAA Winter Sports Festival in Birmingham, Ala.
Niksic finished first among RMAC runners in the event with a time of 1:52.74, two seconds faster than his previous personal best. Niksic’s time was just three-tenths of a second away from qualifying for the final which would have earned him All-American honors.
Despite his accomplishments, Niksic remained humble and seemed more focused on improving, using life’s difficult, and sometimes tragic, experiences to keep him moving forward.
Schrock: What was it like competing on a national stage and how does it feel to be the first runner to represent CMU at Nationals?
Niksic: It was great having the opportunity, and being able to say I got 10th at Nationals is pretty cool. I wasn’t expecting the NCAA to roll out the red carpet like they did. The hotels and everything they provided was unbelievable.
But, at the same time, I’m disappointed because I was so close to qualifying for the final. It’s frustrating, but I did as well as I could’ve without reaching the final and All-American status. I’m just that much more motivated.
Schrock: What is your mindset now? What are your goals and expectations moving forward?
Niksic: We have our first outdoor meet coming up at the end of March, so I want to test where I’m at and, hopefully, hit an automatic national qualifying time at our meet in New Mexico.
I want to run my 800m in under 1:50. If I can get it to around 1:48 it would probably put me in the top three at Nationals. I ultimately want to win the 800m at Nationals, that’s the goal, to be number one.
Schrock: Were you always a runner growing up? When did you realize you wanted to run competitively and be able to compete at a high level?
Niksic: I mainly played soccer growing up and played football my first two years in high school, but I was way too small. I started track my sophomore year (Conifer High School) and did pretty well.
I was never an outstanding runner in high school. I got 11th at State my senior year, but I was like eight seconds behind all the guys going to D1 schools. I remember thinking they have to be some freaks of nature.
To think I went from that to now being a national qualifier, and being so close to even more, is crazy.
Schrock: What drives you? You went from being a good high school runner to competing for a national championship. How?
Niksic: Before the season started I knew it was going to be special. I lost my mom to cancer when I was in the sixth grade, and I told myself I was going to dedicate this to her. Whenever I’m thinking how tough this is, it’s her that keeps me going.
I’m also thankful for the work ethic my dad gave me. He was always pushing me to get better and I’m happy for it. I pride myself on work ethic. It also helps me to have a chip on my shoulder, like I still have something to prove.
Schrock: If you didn’t run competitively what would you be doing? You’re obviously a hard-working guy…you’d have to dedicate a lot of effort and time to something.
Niksic: It’s hard to think about not having track. It helps me stay busy, which I like, and keeps me out of trouble. Plus I’m an exercise science major, so I also use school to help me in running.
I would probably go back to my original plan of engineering and dedicate most of my efforts towards that.
Schrock: Being a collegiate athlete can be tough. You have to sacrifice things that other students don’t. How do you validate that? Do you ever feel like you’re missing out on fun and other experiences?
Niksic: I don’t really think about it too much. I mean, I obviously have to give up some things, but when I’m older and when I look back on life, I’d rather say I ran at a high level and competed at Nationals and did something amazing with my time.
I’d definitely prefer that over saying I partied and had fun all the time. I’m still having fun and I love what I’m doing. I get to have the chance to sacrifice some things. This is more of a privilege.
Schrock: What’s in your future? After you’re done here, what are your aspirations?
Niksic: I’ve been thinking about graduate school and moving somewhere warm. I’d love to come back here but it’d be nice to be in a new place for a while.
I have a couple years left here, so if I can keep improving my times and eventually hit Olympic standards then I would love the chance to be a professional runner and compete in different countries. It’s not as glamorous as other professional sports but I love it and I’d be happy doing it. Being a pro runner would also get my foot in the door for exercise science and physiology. I’d love to teach at a college and be a running coach.
Niksic is a living example of how hard work and determination are keys to being successful, and everyone can learn from Niksic with respect to athletics and more importantly, life in general.
Niksic and the track team start their outdoor season on March 30, with a meet at Utah Valley University.
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