She has been racing against the SWAC and leaving every opponent behind since she first arrived. But now Francesca Okwara is trying to run as fast as she can while another opponent is catching up. She is running against the clock.
For the last three years the Lady Flying Tiger track team has been anchored by sprinter Francesca Okwara. She has been the leading sprinter on the Women’s track team since she started her career at TSU, but now that she is a senior, there are other goals that come to her mind on the track.
Okwara gave a surge to the Track team at the TSU Relays, by capturing a silver performance in the 100 meter dash. She place 2nd overall but was still 1st among all SWAC participants, keeping her a step ahead of her conference opponents.
The senior sprinter also participates in the 4x100 and 4x400 relays, already attained the SWAC indoor titles in the 60 meter dash and the 200 meter dash this season.
Okwara has been a major threat in the SWAC for the last few years and plans to go out with a bang in her final season as a Flying Tiger.
“Of course there is a lot of pressure and excitement [to perform in your last season] said Okwara. There is always a lot of pressure since I have won SWAC every year.
Okwara has had her share of adversities throughout her college career. Like many other athletes she has dealt with injuries that caused her to miss time in her career, but she is healthy and ready to go out with a bang.
“This was also my first outdoor meet in a year since I hurt my hamstring last tsu relays so I am very excited and anxious to see what this outdoor season brings,” Okwara said.
Her success began as soon as she stepped foot on the track as a Flying Tiger sprinter at Durley Stadium.She can still remember her first taste of success in the SWAC and the feeling of representing for her school on a national level.
“One of my favorite memories was in 2007 when I won the 100 in SWAC as a freshman and was the only female or male to go to the NCAA regional from TSU,” said Okwara.
Okwara hopes for her last memories as a Flying Tiger to be the most memorable of her entire collegiate career at TSU and to savor the success that she has brought to TSU Track and Field. She is trying to make sure that her legs help her cement her legacy in the hearts of tiger fans.
“I hope to leave a legacy of winning consecutive years in conference and also pride and humility and my dedication as a Flying Tiger,” Okwara said.
The Lady Flying Tigers’ next meet is at the Humble ISD Highschool and College meet this Friday on April 1.
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