ACU distance runner Nicodemus Naimadu will be featured on ESPN Classic on Wednesday in a segment on the network's show, "NCAA on Campus."An ESPN reporter and producer were in Abilene last month to interview Naimadu and several others about the Wildcats' standout runner. On Nov. 17, Naimadu became the first NCAA athlete in history to win four individual national collegiate championships in cross country.
"Nicodemus winning his fourth cross country title was even more impressive when someone considers the obstacles he overcame this fall," said Derek Hood, cross country coach for ACU. "Nicodemus suffered a concussion the first week of training, and fell and hurt his hip at the Sept. 29 meet at Oklahoma State."
As a result of hurting his hip, Hood said Naimadu's IT Band became aggravated and caused severe knee pain preventing him from running after the Chile Pepper race in Arkansas on Oct. 13.
"Nicodemus didn't run from Oct. 14 until Nov. 12," said Hood. "He trained in the swimming pool to limit the stress to his hurt knee. For Nicodemus to then go out and race at the National Championships and win, is a true reflection at the amazing talent he possesses and the will to win."
The show will air on ESPN Classic at 11:30 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 21, with
re-broadcasts scheduled for later in the week on ESPNU.
Check local listings for re-broadcast schedules at ESPNtv.com.
"It has been an honor to train such an amazing athlete," said Hood.
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