When Berlyn Schutz competes at the Big Ten Outdoor Track and Field Championships at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln May 15-17, it will be a homecoming of sorts.
The junior distance runner will be shining in her hometown as the Husker athlete with the most personal records, currently at seven.
“Competing in Lincoln just makes it all mean that much more. It reminds me of my high school days, where literally everyone would be there for me,” Schutz said. “I’ll have a bunch of family from all over Nebraska in the stands, so I’m just feeling really supported and excited — and grateful I can go home at the end of the day.”
Hosting the championships on their home turf is a welcome opportunity for Schutz and the rest of her Husker Track and Field teammates, as the Big Ten teams converging brings along big challenges.
“The Big Ten has always been a very competitive conference. Every race is really stacked — we have Olympians, world qualifiers and NCAA champions competing, so it’ll be a big test before nationals," Schutz said.
Schutz has already passed some major tests this season, including breaking a school record for the 1500m race — a record she herself already held.
“This past year, I’ve realized I'm not behind anyone: I’m right where I’m supposed to be," Schutz said. "It's wild to think of, because when I was growing up in Lincoln, I used to dream about racing on stages like this.”
Since running the Lincoln Mayor’s Run as a child and racing for Lincoln East High School, Schutz didn't have to go far to find a bigger stage. The support she’s found through the Huskers has helped her stick with it through tough times.
“One thing that drew me to Nebraska was all the support they offered and their emphasis on academics, and I always feel like I’ve been able to find that balance here," Schutz said. "This is my dream and they’ve helped me manage all of it, so I’m just really proud and really happy that I've made it this far and am still chasing bigger goals.”
