Palmer Not Shying Away From Expectations
5/6/2015 12:00:00 AM | Track & Field
PITTSBURGH -- As sophomore Desmond Palmer heads to the ACC Track and Field Championship Meet next week, having a target on his back is something he recognizes but doesn't overthink.
"There will always be a target on your back when you have the league's top time," Palmer said, "But it's not something I think about because I just want to go out and run a good race to earn points for my team."
When Palmer set a school record of 49.59 in the 400 meter hurdles at the Texas Relays in March, it was the nation's fastest time. That time has since fallen to fourth nationally, but Palmer is still the only athlete in the ACC to run sub-50 seconds this season.
Palmer will be considered the favorite to win the 400MH, but the rest of the league, including North Carolina, will be aiming to defeat Palmer. UNC has three hurdlers in Rilwan Alowonle (50.22), Kenny Selmon (50.29) and Javonte Lipsey (51.32), who rank second, third and fourth in the ACC, respectively.
As a freshman, Palmer made the NCAA Championship Meet and earned Second Team All-America accolades, but by his own admission, the nerves were there. This year, that valuable experience is something he can lean on as he tries to fulfill his ultimate goals.
"The [400MH] NCAA final is my main goal," Palmer said. "I have confidence in myself and there is no reason why I can't be in the final heat. I won't let the crowd get to me this year. This is what I have been working for all year and it's what I expect out of myself."
Head Coach Alonzo Webb also understands how valuable, or invaluable, that experience was.
"It doesn't matter if you are freshman or a senior, when you go to the NCAA Championship Meet for the first time, it is intimidating -- nothing compares to it," Webb said. "He didn't compete to his expectations when he was there, but I think you will see a different mindset this year assuming he makes it."
Palmer greatly benefited last year from running alongside three of Pitt's all-time greats in Brycen Spratling, Carvin Nkanata and Micah Murray. That quartet made the NCAA 4x400 meter relay final last year, but Palmer is the only returning member from that team.
"I just want to give my teammates the confidence that those guys gave me last year. We have the talent to win ACCs, we just all have to come together on that day and worry about ourselves."
"Desmond leads by example," Webb said. "I know that is cliché, but he is not a rah-rah guy. He is so steady that we always know what we are going to get from him, no matter what position we put him in during the relay."
The Pickerington, Ohio, native has also made massive strides in the 110 meter hurdles and seems to set a new personal-best in each passing meet. He currently owns the league's seventh best time in 14.02.
The Panthers are off this weekend and will head to the ACC Championship Meet in the middle of next week for the competition which is set for May 14-16. With a fully rested body and mindset, Palmer is poised for a standout meet.
"I try not to put the pressure on myself. I trust my abilities, but it will be tough with so many good runners. If I stay calm and race my race, I will be fine."