Ferguson looks to score a national title (USCsports.com) |
The Detroit, Michigan native ran a school and personal record time of 48.79 in the 400 meter hurdles to earn his first SEC crown last month in Tennessee.
The nation's top-ranked 400 meter hurdler also went on to a second-place finish in the 110 meter hurdles with a personal-best time of 13.53. It was also the third-fastest time recorded in school history.
It was a struggle at the East Regional meet hosted by George Mason over the weekend as Ferguson failed to make finals in both events due to a nagging leg injury. Due to the wild-card rule, Ferguson's times in both events was enough to push him ahead to the NCAA finals in Sacramento anyway.
"I'm getting better by the day but I'm still a bit sore," said the indoor All-American. "I don't like the new format of the regional system as it felt like a last chance meet as I could of been resting at school but since the new rule came into place I had to take a big risk in racing that ended up irritating my leg."
There have been plenty of discussion after the new regional format is now in place among some of the athletes. Ferguson hopes that the national meet will have better luck on his side.
"Don't get me wrong as I'm not blaming anyone or anything for my recent injury," as he explained. "Overall it was a good experience and there are plenty of people who now have an opportunity to compete at the national meet who perhaps couldn't have last year."
Looking ahead to the NCAA finals in Sacramento, Ferguson is willing to accept any challenges as he will compete in the 110 hurdles, 400 hurdles and 4x400 meter relay.
"I just want to finish this season strong as I possibly can by just giving it my best as that's all you can really ask for," said Ferguson. "The 110 hurdles is what is really going to be exciting and a challenge for me as I would like to be the best short and long hurdler in the nation."
The training heading into the NCAA meet will also be crucial as Ferguson prepares for the biggest meet of the season so far.
"The next couple of days heading into the meet is going to be strictly focusing on recovering," said Ferguson. "I'm just going to leave it up to my coach and I know for sure we're going to get the work done right."
As everyone knows from last season, South Carolina has a 4x400 meter relay title to defend. In one of the most exciting events of the meet from last year at LSU, Ferguson hopes to add that spark again and not let anyone else take what is theirs.
"I'm really looking forward to the relay as it's always a fun event to run and is a favorite of mine," said Ferguson. "It was a little tough in the beginning for us because of all the injuries, but we're over them now and ready to see what we can when it counts. We also have a score to settle between LSU and TCU and I wish everyone the best of luck at the meet."
Ferguson and the Gamecocks next head to the NCAA Championships beginning June 11 in Sacramento. The meet spans four days at Hornet Field on the campus of Sacramento State University.