Ethan Strand Shines as Bowerman Semifinalist
NEW ORLEANS – The 2023 track season has been nothing short of spectacular for Ethan Strand, who was recently named a semifinalist for the prestigious Bowerman Award by the U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association. This accolade reflects a season filled with extraordinary achievements that have marked Strand as one of the nation’s elite athletes.
A Historic Honor for the Tar Heels
This recognition is particularly meaningful as it highlights the consistency of excellence in Tar Heel athletics. Strand’s selection follows last year’s semifinalist designation of Parker Wolfe, making it two consecutive years of notable recognition for the University of North Carolina. The Bowerman Award, founded in 2009 and named after legendary Oregon coach Bill Bowerman, is awarded annually to the top male and female NCAA track and field athletes, underscoring the significance of this honor in collegiate athletics.
Remarkable Season of Records
Strand’s journey has been paved with groundbreaking achievements. The season began with two NCAA records set in his first two races, solidifying his status as a force to be reckoned with. He uniquely holds the title of the only student-athlete to record NCAA benchmarks in both the mile (3:48.32) and the 3000m (7:30.15) within the same calendar year.
ACC Championships Success
Adding to his accolades, Strand clinched the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) title in the men’s 5000m, establishing a meet record at 13:26.60. His contributions were pivotal in leading his team to a national runner-up finish in the Distance Medley Relay (DMR), where they set an unratified American Indoor Record of 9:17.17, earning him First Team All-American honors.
National Championship Victory
Strand’s stellar performance culminated in a national championship victory in the men’s 3000m with a time of 7:52.03. His achievements did not just earn him accolades but also prestigious awards, including the ACC Indoor Men’s Track Athlete of the Year and the USTFCCCA Southeast Region Men’s Indoor Track Athlete of the Year. Notably, he became the first Tar Heel to claim the USTFCCCA National Men’s Indoor Track Athlete of the Year award since Shalane Flanagan’s wins in cross country in 2002 and 2003.
Outdoor Season Triumphs
The momentum carried into the outdoor season, where Strand delivered the second-fastest 1500m time in NCAA history—3:33.22—at the Duke Twilight meet. His exceptional performance continued as he achieved a historic feat by becoming the first Tar Heel, and only the fourth in ACC history, to win the 1,500m title at the ACC Outdoor Championships three times. Additionally, he earned the title of ACC runner-up in the 5,000m, setting him up for the NCAA Outdoor Track and Field Championships.
Continued Recognition
At the NCAA Championships, Strand continued his streak of excellence, finishing as the national runner-up in the 1500m, which marked his third First Team All-America honor of the year.
For fans of track and field, and followers of the Tar Heels, this is just the beginning of what promises to be an exciting chapter in Ethan Strand’s athletic career.
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Ethan Strand’s remarkable journey serves as an inspiring testament to hard work, determination, and excellence in collegiate athletics. As he aims for even greater heights, fans eagerly anticipate what the future holds for this talented athlete.
