Joe Haight (Jr., University of Illinois/Warren HS)
Event(s): DMR
Another amazing example of dedication is the success of Joe Haight. After being only a one-time all-stater as part of a 4x200m team, Haight was asked by the Illini to consider joining the squad but refused as he expressed interest in playing on the school's club soccer team. After he accidentally missed tryouts he decided to look into walking on the track team and actually made the cut. It proved to be a huge pickup for the Illini especially when he qualified for nationals last year as part of their 4x100m team. The team fell a little short of an all-American honor, but expect that race to fuel Haight this go around.