Academy of Art University Athletics

Freshman Quinlan Wright led the way for ART U Track & Field on day one of the Pepsi Florida Relays this past week, turning in a new 400mH program record of 53.23. Taking nearly a full second off his previous best (54.17) from the SDSU's Aztec Invitational, he would achieve a NCAA Division II provisional qualifying time while placeing 25th of 48, in the thick of a series of NCAA Division I talent.

"[The program record] felt great!" Wright said. "Because I'm only a freshman, I have numerous opportunities left to set the school record to a more challenging mark. Honestly, I was shocked that I beat the school record. I wasn't expecting that anytime soon and I was a little nervous before my race. Competing against the top Division I schools can be frightening. When I got into my blocks, I thought, 'Just execute what you do in practice and make sure to pump your arms.'"

"Quinlan was the star of the show for us," head coach Charles Ryan said. "He had to fight to stay in that race and he did it well. Unlike his race last week, he kept his focus and finished this race off determined to compete. I'm not shocked by such a drastic drop from his previous best, but I am very excited to witness the breakthrough. He just needs to keep building confidence and keep working! He is easily the day's MVP for us."