June 7, 2011
By Art Garcia for UTAMavs.com
ARLINGTON, Tex. - Asked about setting a school, conference and track record, UT Arlington senior sprinter Cordero Gray shrugged off the accomplishment.
"I really haven't thought about how I feel about it," he said matter-of-factly. "I just continue to believe in myself and want to work harder. It is a confidence builder."
There's nothing like running the 100 meters in 10.12 seconds to win the Southland Conference Men's Outdoor Championships to boost one's self esteem. That mark not only set the SLC standard, it's also a new record for UTA and at Northwestern State's home track.
Gray, 22, qualified for the West preliminary round of the NCAA Championships at Oregon in three different events - 100m, 200m and 4x100 relay. By finishing second in the 100m and fourth in the 200m, the senior earned a spot in the NCAA Outdoor Championships at Drake in Des Moines, Iowa.
So if Gray could advance to the NCAAs in just one event, which would he choose?
"If I could only pick one it would be a hard choice," he answered. "I would probably pick the relay so I could go with my teammates. If I had a choice, I would make it in all three."
So he did. Now his sights are set on All-America finishes in at least one event. The 100m seems most likely, especially after a second-place finish in the event in Eugene, Ore.
Entering the NCAA West Region Prelims, Gray ranked seventh nationally in the 100m. The relay team of Gray, Clayton Vaughn, Lionel Mungwari and Andrew Pettis has added UTA's strong 4x100 tradition. Confidence, especially for Gray, has often been an issue.
"All that's left for Cordero now is consistency and confidence," Mavericks track and field coach John Sauerhage said. "His confidence is growing and he needs to be more consistent. If he can consistently run at a higher level, he's got a better chance of getting through the rounds at the NCAA meet."
Gray, an All-American in 2009 in the 100m, is making strides in his final collegiate season. He's altered some technical aspects of his running style, is focusing on finishing races strong and not anticipating the finish line as much. There remains room for improvement, but he's getting there.
"I've been pretty consistent, I think so," Gray said. "I know I used to not have too much confidence in myself in past years. Now I'm starting to believe in myself, believe in the training that we're doing and it's all paying off."
The record-breaking victory at the SLC Championships is proof that Gray is headed in the right direction and peaking at the right time. In addition to the 100m, he set a personal record of 20.56 in the 200m at the SLC meet.
"He needs to win," Sauerhage said. "He wants to win some things. Placing in the top eight at the NCAA meet, making it to the USA championships, those are Cordero's goals. He'd like to run pro track next year. He's got a lot of big goals. Olympic Trails, being one of the top sprinters in the U.S. - that's where his mind set is."
For now, Gray's mind is set on the NCAA Outdoor Championships. Again, he'd prefer to win each of the three events he's qualified for.
"Hopefully, I can win," Gray said. "That's the ultimate goal, but, yeah, I want to at least make it to the finals. If I make it to the finals, anything can happen."
