This is part of a series of interviews that Cortland track and field/cross country runner Shannon Imbornoni '21 conducted in 2020 with former Cortland track and field and/or cross country individual national champions.
Interview Menu
Nick Wetherby ’06
Nick Wetherby is a one-time individual NCAA champion and a four-time All-American, with one of those being a national runner-up. He made NCAA appearances in the 55m dash, the 100m and twice in the outdoor 200m. Additionally, Wetherby won the Cortland track and field Red Letter Award for both indoor and outdoor for the 2004 to 2005 season. The Olean native currently resides in Denver, Colorado.
Some of the questions and answers have been edited for brevity and clarity.
Why did you choose Cortland?
I choose Cortland for two reasons. The first reason was because of the phenomenal sport management program, which I choose as my major. The second reason was the athletic program. I was invited to try out for the soccer team entering my freshman year. Funny thing was, I did not make the soccer team but ended up winning a national championship for the track and field team the next year.
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What do you remember about your national title season?
My national championship was somewhat surreal. I was a sophomore academically, but a freshman in terms of eligibility. I had great teammates and great coaches to mentor me through all the newness of my first season as a collegiate athlete. It's a very long season for track and field athletes, almost the entire school year with indoor and outdoor seasons. The race that won me the 100m dash national championship was amazing. It seemed like the perfect race in terms of my start out of the blocks, through the drive phase and finishing the race with all I had. It was a short celebration; I had to compete in the 200m final about thirty minutes later. I had to make time for a short cool-down and warm-up for my next race.
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What is your favorite memory of Cortland?
My favorite memory of Cortland is easily the friendships I have made. Now, almost 15-years after graduating, I still am friends with many people I met while at Cortland. There are many memories from track and field and my teammates, but also the friends I had away from athletics. Those are life long memories.
What have you taken from being a part of the team?
I've taken a lot away from being part of the team. There are so many intangibles that you learn from joining an athletic team, especially when you are appointed captain. Track and field is unique because you compete as an individual, but also as a team. I've used many of those lessons throughout my post-college professional life.
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What are you doing now?
Now, I live in Denver, Colo. and work in retail management. Since college, I've lived in five states from New York to Florida and now Colorado. I still have a passion for fitness that I take part in almost daily.
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Do you have any advice for Cortland XC/TF athletes now?
My advice for athletes now would be to work hard, stay disciplined with school and sports, and take care of your body. Also, HAVE FUN! Many of the memories you make you'll have with you forever.
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