WRAL Sports Fan

Colleges

Methodist's Chavis seeking more titles at D-III Championships

May 23, 2012

Fayetteville, N.C. — There are days when hitting the track just doesn't sound like a lot of fun. That is what separates Ashlynn Chavis from the rest – some extra time grinding it out.

"Sometimes I dread it,” Chavis said. “But once you are out here, you might as well work hard."

Chavis, a Maxton, N.C., native, went to Scotland High School and has found enormous success through four seasons at the college level. She won three national championships last year on the Division III level for Methodist University, bringing her career total to five.

"She's the type of athlete who will run through a brick wall for you,” said head coach Duane Ross. “She's very disciplined, very committed."

This week, Methodist travels to the national meet in Claremont, Calif., where Chavis is the favorite to take home some more trophies.

"A lot of it is (that) I've been given a talent from God,” Chavis said. “It's a lot of hard work and I have a great coach."

Methodist is known for its success in golf, winning multiple national championships. The track team is hoping the recent success earns them some respect, too.

"That's all you hear is golf, golf, golf,” Chavis said. “Now we're known as a track school, too. We're here to stay."

Methodist enters the D-III championships as the No. 5 team nationally, according to USTFCCA. Chavis will participate in the 100-meter dash, 4x100 meter relay and the long jump over the three-day event beginning Thursday.
 

• Reporter: Mandy Mitchell
• Web Editor: Aaron Schoonmaker