A NOTE FROM NATIONALS This is the 3rd in a series by Jenny Folgers, one of three SMU athletes taking part in this weekend's NCAA Division III Outdoor National championships in Decatur, Ill.

Thursday, May 27, Decatur, Ill. — Today I did a lot of waiting.

It was nice to finally see the NCAA Outdoor Track and Field Championships begin, but I didn't race today, so I did a lot of waiting around.

My teammate, Todd Yankowski (decathlon), was the first male ever to represent Saint Mary's University at the national level, and he did an amazing job in his opening five events: 100-meters, long jump, shot put, high jump and 400.

The only problem was it was at least 85 degrees, sunny and humid outside, and I couldn't stand around in the baking sun and become sunburned and drained for my upcoming 100 hurdle race on Friday.

I watched him compete for awhile, but was forced to go inside, out of the beating sun, and wait around.

I stayed inside until Ellen Koranda raced the 1,500 and did what I honestly didn't believe she could do — she made the finals of the 1,500 that will take place on Saturday!

Ellen placed sixth in her own heat of the race, and only six women from the second heat ran faster than she did.

Overall, 12 women made the final, and Ellen's time placed her 12th overall.

And although she was the last one in, she made it to finals — and that was good enough!

The entire season, we have been racing for good times in order to meet an NCAA provisional standard that would qualify us for nationals.

However, at nationals, we're solely racing for place, since each event holds preliminary heats in order to narrow the field for finals.

Watching Ellen do the impossible — her time today was actually four seconds slower than her qualifying time — made me realize that it is possible to squeak into the final.

It'll take a fast and honest effort, but Ellen proved it can be done.

And (Friday) I'll give it a try.

I also realized how friendly the MIAC student-athletes really are.

I usually look at these people with evil, competitive eyes.

However, (on Thursday), after a high-five from Bryce Beckman (St. Thomas, 800), a friendly chat with Kristin Fristad (Macalester, 400 hurdles) and smiles and good lucks from Kristi Colbenson (Carleton, heptathlon) and Jenna Wendorff (St. Benedict, shot put), I realized that they are more than just my competitors.

These people are there representing the MIAC, just like I do.

These people get nervous, just like I do.

And these people are excited and honored to be at nationals, just like I am.

This national experience has allowed me to get to know these people on another level, and I'm really glad I can now say hello and good luck instead of seeing them as just the competition.

Hopefully they'll support me tomorrow during my long awaited race the same as I've supported them today in their endeavors.

I'll keep you updated.