Derek Bredy basically had to be convinced to join the track and field team when he came to MSUM.

Now he’s one of the most decorated track and field athletes in school history.

“I ran track my senior year of high school, won state in long jump and triple jump and then took a year off before coming to college,” Bredy said. “One of the assistant basketball coaches talked me into (going out for the team).”

Bredy began filling his long resume of accomplishments immediately upon joining the team and has not stopped adding to it since.

He holds nine school records, is a four-time Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference high point scorer, an 11-time conference champion, holds two NSIC meet records and has earned All-American status three times.

“It’s amazing to me how many want to see me reach my ridiculous dreams,” the MSUM senior said. “My performances have had my glimmers of light, but so far they are only glimmers and the light is still yet to shine.”

Bredy triple jumps and runs practically every short race available.

“My favorite used to be short sprint events, 100- and 60-meter dashes. Now I’m learning I kind of enjoy the 400-meter more because there is opportunity for racing and fighting,” Bredy said. “The 100 is all technique and if you make a mistake you can’t go back.”

The sprinter may have his personal preferences, but his numbers do not play favorites. Bredy holds records in indoor track: the 55-meter, 6.31 seconds; the 200-meter, 21.43; the 300-meter, 34.1; and the 400-meter, 47.60. Outdoors, Bredy holds two school records: the 100-meter, 10.38, and the outdoor 400-meter, 46.73.

After excelling at what started as somewhat of an impromptu college career, Bredy plans to move to Florida to pursue track on a small professional level.

“Coach Sheffield already has people and things in place to get me my opportunities to run for a few more years,” said Bredy, a Hoffman, Minn. native.

Assistant coach Rahn Sheffield has been with Bredy throughout his track and field career.

“Having coach Sheffield here not only as a coach, but also for my life struggles and his determination to get me to where I want to go has been amazing,” Bredy said, “We just keep grabbing to every bit of hope we find.”

Bredy feels that Florida will be much more accommodating to his training goals than what Moorhead has offered this season.

“I have to give it at least one more shot, living in Florida where I can train in warm weather and on a full-size track where I don’t have to fight for turns in our small facility.”

Bredy and the Dragons are preparing for their next meet, the NSIC outdoor championships.

“It’s been amazing to see the team come together here at the end. We are looking out for each other and trying to help each other out,” Bredy said. “At this point it’s about being ready to seize each opportunity.”

After the NSIC outdoor championships in Sioux Falls, S.D., and then finish the season at the NCAA Division II outdoor championships in Pueblo, Colo.

BY MADALYN LASKE
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