Marc Sylvester: I\'ll be back

Sylvester will be ready for the outdoor season at Tennessee (UTsports.com)

The question everyone has been asking lately: where is Marc Sylvester? The 2002 NCAA indoor runner-up and sixth place finisher outdoors in the 800 meters -- all as a true freshman -- has yet to be seen in the orange and white for Tennessee this season. The Cleveland, Ohio native from St. Ignatius high school has been dealing with tendonitis in his left knee and has recently made the tough decision to sit out and redshirt the indoor season. "This is something that has been bothering me since winter break when I went back home to Cleveland," says the 20-year old sophomore.

There have even been rumors esculating that have Sylvester transferring to other schools such as SEC rival Auburn and even dropping out of Tenenssee to focus on training in the state of North Carolina. "In regards to me transferring anywhere the idea is out of the question. I just do not see where it escalated into this huge thing with me living in North Carolina or going to Auburn. My coach and I have a great relationship and he is like a father figure to me here when I am away from home. We have great plans for the immediate and far off future and we plan on doing everything possible to execute them."

The fact that he can't help his teammates out to defend their indoor title is what hurts the most for Sylvester. "I am deeply hurt that I cannot join the team as they try to defend our indoor title, but they know as well as I do that I will be ready for the outdoor season and give it my all." It will be difficult for the Volunteers to repeat this indoor season with other noteable losses of Justin Gatlin to the professional scene and Leonard Scott to graduation. With the help of some outstanding newcomers that have already proven to be a threat at the SEC and NCAA level, Tennessee will not go out without a fight.

"So far things are going very well in NCAA track and field and I want to be a part of that magic come spring time," said the confident Sylvester about what he looks forward to soon. Marc will be ready and gunning come spring time in hopes to help Tennessee make another run at the national championship. The injury to his left knee and redshirting is something he will have to deal with for this indoor season. The outdoor season kicks off for Tennessee at the Florida State Relays on March 21. Sylvester will be more than ready to give it his all in the 800 meters not only for an SEC title, but the NCAA title as well.