The UNC Asheville track and field team opened up the season with strong performances, including a standout showing from freshman sprinter Talyn Stevenson in the 200 meters. Stevenson completed in the event just once but made most of the opportunity, finishing with a time that placed him top 20 all time in UNC Asheville program history.
The season opening meet featured several competitive programs from across the region, creating an environment that tested both experience and composure. For Stevenson, the moment marked his first opportunity to represent UNC Asheville at the collegiate level and he approached it with a steady mindset.
“It felt really good to finally line up and compete,” Stevenson said. “There’s always some nerves before your first college race, but once I got into the blocks, I just told myself to trust my training and what I have been working on.”
Placing top 20 in school history in his first collegiate appearance is a rare accomplishment, especially in a sprint event as competitive as the 200 meters. The race requires a strong start, controlled speed through the curve and the ability to finish with strength down the homestretch.
“Before the race, I was really focused on my start and staying relaxed around the curve,” Stevenson said. “The coach always talks about not tightening up too early, so I made sure I stayed patient and finished the last 50 meters strong although I was in lane two.”
While the result earned him a place in the program’s record book, Stevenson emphasized that the achievement is only the beginning of his goals for the season.
“I didn’t really think about being top 20 all-time until someone mentioned it afterward,” he said. “It’s definitely motivating, but I know I have more in me. That just makes me want to keep pushing.”
Adjusting to collegiate competition has required discipline and consistency both on and off the track. Stevenson credits his teammates and coaching staff for helping him transition into the faster pace and higher expectations that come with the next level.
“The older guys have been a big help,” Stevenson said. “They hold me accountable in practice and give me advice about recovery and staying locked in. That’s helped me settle in quicker than I expected.”
In practice, Stevenson has focused on refining the small details that can make a difference in sprinting, from blocks starts to maintaining form under fatigue. He believes those improvements will continue to lower his times as the season progresses.
“My goal is just to keep improving each meet,” Stevenson said. “If I can stay consistent and clean up the little things, I know my times will keep dropping as we head outdoors.”
With conference competition ending, Stevenson understands the importance of continuing to train throughout spring break and supporting team success. Despite the individual milestone, he remains focused on the bigger picture.
“At the end of the day, it’s about the team,” he said. “If I can put myself in a position to score and help us compete at the conference, that’s what really matters.”
As the indoor season comes to an end, Stevenson’s early performance has established him as a promising freshman within the UNC Asheville program. By placing himself among the top 20 athletes in school history in his first collegiate meet, he has already demonstrated both potential and poise. If his season opening race is any indication, Stevenson could continue to climb the program rankings while becoming a key contributor for the Bulldogs moving forward.
