Revenge of the Nerdal
Despite garnering little fame, track and field thrower excels
By: Joseph Russell
Issue date: 3/3/10 Section: Other Stories
When students spot Steffan Nerdal walking through campus, they can't help but notice his size. Considering he towers over most of those that see him, many people assume he's a member of the football team.
"Some guys stop me and ask what I do, especially if I'm walking to the store or on campus," said The U of M's senior thrower. "Somebody will ask, 'Do you play football? You've got to play football.' When I tell them track and field, they can't believe it."
If any of them were to take a look at the 6-foot-7, 290-pounder's on-field accomplishments during his time at The University of Memphis, he would be one of the biggest stars on campus. But because track and field is not one of the more prominent collegiate sports, Nerdal admitted, many of his accolades go unnoticed.
"There's really no recognition in this sport compared to the big sports like baseball and football and basketball," he said. "But I don't think I'd be happy if I played those sports. I have no desire to do it. If you do something for the recognition, then I think you're really lost. You've got to do something you enjoy."
So instead of focusing on recognition and being noticed, the senior thrower has stuck to what he feels most passionate about. And it's paid off.
Nerdal's fervor for throwing has brought him a number of achievements, including honors as the Male Performer of the Meet at the Conference USA Indoor Track and Field Championships this past weekend, where he placed first in the weight throw with a mark of 22.74 meters. It marked the third consecutive C-USA Indoor weight throw championship for the two-time All-American.
But despite placing first, the Bergen, Norway, native failed to top his personal best and ultimately walked away from the meet disappointed.
"He holds himself to such a high standard that it's not even about winning," said track and field coach Kevin Robinson. "It's about him performing better than he's performed in the past. That's what drives him."
"Some guys stop me and ask what I do, especially if I'm walking to the store or on campus," said The U of M's senior thrower. "Somebody will ask, 'Do you play football? You've got to play football.' When I tell them track and field, they can't believe it."
If any of them were to take a look at the 6-foot-7, 290-pounder's on-field accomplishments during his time at The University of Memphis, he would be one of the biggest stars on campus. But because track and field is not one of the more prominent collegiate sports, Nerdal admitted, many of his accolades go unnoticed.
"There's really no recognition in this sport compared to the big sports like baseball and football and basketball," he said. "But I don't think I'd be happy if I played those sports. I have no desire to do it. If you do something for the recognition, then I think you're really lost. You've got to do something you enjoy."
So instead of focusing on recognition and being noticed, the senior thrower has stuck to what he feels most passionate about. And it's paid off.
Nerdal's fervor for throwing has brought him a number of achievements, including honors as the Male Performer of the Meet at the Conference USA Indoor Track and Field Championships this past weekend, where he placed first in the weight throw with a mark of 22.74 meters. It marked the third consecutive C-USA Indoor weight throw championship for the two-time All-American.
But despite placing first, the Bergen, Norway, native failed to top his personal best and ultimately walked away from the meet disappointed.
"He holds himself to such a high standard that it's not even about winning," said track and field coach Kevin Robinson. "It's about him performing better than he's performed in the past. That's what drives him."