By Tyler Conkright / Staff Writer

Freshman Jozelynn Bostick has broken the Missouri Valley 3000 meter steeplechase record which has stood since 2015. Her time in the event on Friday, April 12 was 12:08.09.

Bostick is a tri-sport athlete as she participates in track and field, cross country, and basketball. This is something that makes her push herself even harder throughout her seasons.

“I feel like it increases my work ethic because I feel like I’m behind other people only doing one sport so I try to work harder,” said Bostick. “I set lots of goals and I strive to meet those goals.”

Track coach, Steve Lucito, sees great success in Bostick’s future as she is only a freshman. 

“I can see some very big things for her in her future,” said Lucito. “I think with her work ethic and if she keeps doing what she is now, I think it is very possible for her to be an All-American at some point.”

Bostick’s teammate, Angel Lopez, has been motivated this season by Bostick’s work ethic and positivity throughout the season. 

“I just love her vibrant energy,” said Lopez. “Literally sometimes I’ll go into practice thinking I don’t want to be here then I see her and she starts talking and she makes my day so much better. She’s such an amazing teammate. I love her so much.”

Bostick believes that her dedication runs in the family as her dad helps with her distance coaching due to the track team not having a coach specifically for the distance runners. Bostick also is inspired by her team’s ability to support her through it all.

“They are really supportive of me,” said Bostick. “Every time I race they are always there cheering for me and it motivates me to work harder because these people really care and I love them so much. That really helps me to keep going and after my race they always come up to me and ask me how I’m feeling and congratulate me.”

Bostick is now working to beat her time again. Her new goal is to get her time to 11:40, which would qualify her for nationals.