Freet’s Feet Leave a Big Mark
Ethan Freet ’13. (Photo by Sara Tincher)
Among the runners who shattered Ohio Wesleyan’s 1600-meter relay record is a sophomore who came to OWU from the University of Cincinnati.
Both teams wear red and black but that’s about where the comparisons end between UC and OWU for Ethan Freet ’13. The former Bearcat says he is very happy here at OWU, where the atmosphere is relaxed and the focus is on team success.
“Ohio Wesleyan’s track program is much more cohesive as a whole than the team I was on last year, and all the guys get along really well,” Freet says.
Though OWU is not as competitive as a Division I school, Freet says there is still a competitive atmosphere. This weekend’s conference championship, he says, will be tough.
“…winning the conference championships three years in a row does put a target on your back and everyone is looking to knock off Ohio Wesleyan,” he says. “But I think our guys will step up and take care of business and the rest will take care of itself.”
Teammate Sean Patrick ’11 says Freet is a great addition to the team. The sophomore has been North Coast Athletic Conference (NCAC) Player of the Week twice this season and has set school records in the 200-meter dash and as part of the 1600-meter relay. He has qualified for national championships in several meets. Patrick says Freet is a good teammate and friend, and a runner “with unbelievable talent.”
“He, along with his other sophomore classmates, are all a huge part of this team,” Patrick says.
Head coach Kris Boey also says Freet has been a strong runner on the team and is fitting in well. Though the transfer from UC to OWU is “a big jump,” Boey says Freet has acclimated nicely and is making a great impact.
This weekend will be a test for the teams, but Freet is confident the Bishops will do well and will do even better in the outdoor season. He says he is excited to see the team come together this weekend.
“Where I was last year focused mainly on advancing individuals rather than winning the meet,” he says. “Here, the goal is to win the whole meet, which is nice because it gives the athletes something to work for.”
The NCAC championships kick off tomorrow at Oberlin College.