Ashton Collins will be a threat for the 400 meter title this year (UT sports photography) |
Ashton is more of the long-sprint specialist while already recording an NCAA automatic qualifying time and indoor school record of 46.02 at the United Heritage Invitational in Nampa, Idaho. He then dipped under 21 seconds at the Armory Collegiate Invitational in New York City with his time of 20.93 on February 14. Aaron previously held the school record which was 21.03 set at Idaho the previous week up in Idaho.
Aaron did manage to run a solid time in his first quarter of the season. After turning in a 47.86 in the prelims, he clocked a 47.33 to finish eighth in the finals and move into fifth on UT’s all-time 400 meter chart. Having a twin-brother as a teammate on the same campus helps to bring out the best in each other on and off the track.
“It’s a big help to have Aaron around,” Ashton explained. “He helps me compete all the time. We are constantly trying to break each other’s times, you know, run faster than each other. It goes back and forth like a see-saw.”
One may sometimes not realize just how important it is to have one of your family members around to help you out in every situation – especially as twin brothers. “I need him around me period, whether we’re racing or hanging out, Ashton explained. “He provides confidence and motivation for me and I think I do the same for him.”
Aaron agrees that his brother brings out the best in him at all times. “We compete even when we’re just walking down the sidewalk,” Aaron said. “We see who walks with the better form. He is my lifetime rival. He keeps me where I need to be and I do the same for him. We push other on and off the track to be the best we can be.”
It’s the tough times that are easier to handle with they are both around. When their father passed away recently, it was hard for both of them to adjust to the college scene while being away from home for the first time.
“Last fall, my father passed away so it was tough adjusting,” Aaron said. “This semester, I’ve settled down and it’s been going better. It’s a lot different than high school. You have to get stuff done and be responsible for your school work.”
With the 2003 NCAA Indoor Championships right around the corner, both of the Collins’ look forward to the challenge. “I expect to perform very well in the 400 meters,” Ashton said.
“People might say winning it pushing it, but I’m going in expecting to compete for the title,” Ashton followed. “It’s a challenge but not an impossible one, because I have beaten some of the other top guys before. I’m really looking forward to getting that chance. I also think we can put together a pretty good 4x400 relay. I’m going to give that all I have. That race is a total team effort, and I know everyone will give it their all. I have to do the same. Hopefully, we can run well in that race this year as well.”
Aaron Collins looks forward to an outstanding freshman year at Texas (UT sports photography) |
Much of their success has been thanks to head coach Bubba Thornton. In just seven seasons at the helm of The University of Texas men’s track and field program, Thornton has transformed the Longhorns into a Big 12 powerhouse and a national title contender.
“I leave all my training tactics to Coach Thornton, because he knows what he’s doing,” Ashton explained. “I never complain. I just do what he tells me. He’s gotten me to the point I am right now this season, so I trust his workouts. Right now, we’re doing a lot of block work, but we throw in a little distance work once a week or so. We’re not doing anything too strenuous this early. He wants us to have energy for competition and doesn’t want us to burn out. He’s keeping us well-trained and at a good level.”
Aaron appears right on track to conquer great things in the 200 meters with his times already this season. The World Outdoor Championships later this summer are not out of his reach.
“As far as training goes, I am much stronger and faster than I’ve ever been,” Aaron said. “I didn’t have this type of training in high school. I had good training in high school, but it was mostly running. We really didn’t have any engagement with weights. By getting on the weights and putting the running together, the whole formula has helped me get stronger and faster. One of my hopes is to place in the 200 meters at the NCAA Indoor Championships. I just need to keep working hard. As far as outdoors, one of my individual goals is to go under 20.4. I’d like to get a chance to try out for Worlds if I run fast enough.”
It’s just a matter of time to see how far Aaron and Ashton will make it. While only freshman, you can get used to hearing their names for years to come in a Texas uniform. Just make sure to try and tell them apart.