TicketsCincinnati Athletics features more than 400 student-athletes who are doing incredible things on and off the field. Some will go pro in sports. Some will go on to do great things in business, medicine or other professional fields. All will be Bearcats for Life. These are their stories.
Cincinnati track and field middle distance runner Steven McElroy arguably had the best freshman season, if not one of the best indoor and outdoor track seasons in UC history. The 400m All-American raked up the accolades, including being the 2022 indoor and outdoor AAC 400-meter individual conference champion. McElroy's outdoor 400m time of 44.93 is the fastest 400-meter ran by a Bearcat, and he also holds the second fastest indoor 400-meter, 46.99, in Cincinnati history.
The Pickerington, Ohio native not only succeeded on the collegiate stage but also on the national stage. He helped Team USA claim a gold medal as the leadoff leg of the men's 4x400-meter relay at the World Athletics U20 Championships Cali22 and a silver medal in the 400-meter race. McElroy also set the USATF U20 Outdoor Championships meet record in the 400-meter (44.93) to win the race.
Learn more about McElroy below!
How did you get involved with track and field?
"From middle school to about my sophomore year of high school, I played lacrosse. After doing the sport for as many years as I did, I found myself starting not to like the sport. Myself and my parents thought about the skills I had gained in lacrosse and what sport I could easily transition to and track and field seemed to be a good fit."
How does it feel to be one of the leaders on the team?
"It is an honor to be seen as a leader amongst others who carry some of the same traits as I do."
What was it like to compete for the United States and bring home a gold and silver medal?
"It was like a dream come true. Growing up, seeing all the people on tv competing for Team USA. So being able to experience what they did was a blessing."
Coming off last season's success, what does this season mean to you?
"Another season of running for the University of Cincinnati is a blessing. My prayer for this season is for my team to do well and I hope I do well as well."
Do you have any superstitions or a certain ritual before a meet?
"Before every meet I like to have at least one Go-Go Squeeze."
Why did you choose UC?
"When I first stepped on UC's campus, I loved the feeling of being at a big Division I school with a campus layout that isn't overwhelming. Meaning not having to walk a mile to class or having to take a bus to practice."
What are your and the team's goals for this season?
"My goals are to continue to have fun and also continue to persevere through anything that may come at me. A big team goal on the men's side of the team is to become conference champions."
What are your career goals?
"I would love to continue to compete post collegiately."
Who is your role model?
"My role model is my father. Growing up, I always looked up to him because of the way he carried himself and also because no matter the situation, he always found the good despite all the negative."
If you could have dinner with anyone in the world, who would it be and why?
"Barack Obama. I feel he is a very intelligent man, and I feel that there is a lot I could learn from him just by having a meal with him."
Who is your favorite track or field athlete
"Usain Bolt because I like how he carries himself and interacts with the people he comes across."
What's your favorite hobby?
"Fishing has been a hobby for me for many years. I grew up fishing with my dad and friends."
What makes UC great?
"The people. The people of Cincinnati are like no other. They will support you at your highest highs and your lowest lows."
Who is your favorite artist and why?
"J. Cole because his lyrics have a lot of power behind them."
Who is the funniest on the team?
"Hannah Jackson."