Senior David Niang will look to bring home gold for a second time at an NEC Championship in two weeks.
At the NEC indoor finals in February, the Harrisburg native placed first in the 60-meter hurdles, winning a thrilling race that came down to a photo finish in a time of 8.06.
The Psychology major sees competition in sport not only as a physical undertaking, but also as a reflection of life itself.
“Sport has shown me that life will be difficult, but you can never really lose,” said Niang. “You can only learn.”
Niang was recognized as an NEC Prime-Performer twice earlier this month. He placed first in the 110m hurdles at the Bison Outdoor Classic at Bucknell, April 13, with a time of 14.28.
That mark was .02 seconds faster than his first-place time at the Colonial Relays at William & Mary on April 5 (14.30).
Consistency is the cornerstone of Niang’s training routine and one of the keys to his success.
“I follow my coach’s plan daily and I give the intensity that the day demands,” he said.
“I also try to slow down and take things one step at a time.”
One of Niang’s biggest influences is his mother.
“My mother is my source of energy. I know that she will be proud of me, no matter what the situation.”
He also appreciates the support and guidance that his sister and brother have provided him throughout his career.
Niang arrived at Saint Francis in 2022 after competing at Butler Community College. He was reunited at SFU with his childhood friend and former high school teammate Bryce Baker.
Baker is a senior sprinter on this year’s team who has also brought home NEC gold in his career. He and Niang are both graduates of Central Dauphin East High School in Harrisburg.
“His determination and courage are fierce,” said Baker about his longtime friend. “He’s a great leader – once he says he’s going to do something, he puts all his energy into it.”
