The men’s 4×400 relay team came in trying to prove they could run with the top runners in the country. With the lights shining bright, along with a national audience watching in person and around the country, the four readied themselves along the track.

The Indoor Track and Field National Championships meet took place on March 10-11 at College Station, Texas. The only men to represent the Cyclones were the relay team and an alternate runner, Derek Jones.

Eric Fogltanz was the leadoff runner for the Cyclones and the start was similar to any other week prior, until about the 150-meter mark.

Fogltanz started to pull up showing some discomfort, meanwhile the rest of the pack separated themselves and left him alone.

“It looked like a typical hamstring injury,” Jones said. “It was just really unfortunate to witness.”

Fogltanz didn’t quit though and finished off his part of the relay, then handing the baton off to Kelly. Kelly was soon lapped by the competition, and shortly after, removed himself from the race.

The coaching staff wanted to be courteous of the other teams, seeing their runners as more of a hindrance, and thus told Kelly to step aside.

“As a team we’re all bummed about Eric,” Jones said. “That’s just a type of thing you can’t foresee coming.”

All eyes were on Fogltanz, a crucial piece to the relay team and its success during the rest of the season.

“Afterwards he seemed to be walking around OK,” Jones said. “Now it’s time to recover from this race.

“We wish him a speedy recovery.”