Two Guilford College track athletes competed at the Old Dominion Athletic Conference (ODAC) Championships on Feb. 29 and March 1, but their paths to qualifying tell very different stories.

For Trenten Torain ’26, reaching the ODAC championships represents years of dedication, family influence and perseverance through injuries. For Alyssa Daniel ’28, the milestone marks an early breakthrough in her developing track career. Despite their different experiences, both athletes share a similar sense of pride in reaching one of the conference’s most competitive meets.

Torain’s journey into track began long before high school. He said his earliest inspiration came from his parents, who encouraged him to run when he was younger.

“I used to do marathons with my mother because I was a chubby kid and I wanted to lose weight,” Torain said. “My mom was more of a distance runner and my dad was more of a sprinter, so they both influenced me to start running track.”

After years of training and competition, Torain said qualifying for ODAC was a rewarding moment.

“When I found out I qualified for ODAC, I was excited,” Torain said. “It means a lot to qualify for something you’ve put your heart into over the years.”

Despite challenges along the way, Torain said the lessons he has learned through track have shaped his character.

“It made me a better person,” he said. “I learned how to overcome adversity and take criticism.”

Torain said his coaches and teammates have also played a major role in helping him stay motivated throughout his career.

“My coaches pushed me every day,” Torain said. “They taught me that track isn’t just about competition — it’s about having fun, running your fastest and learning things that help you in life.”

For Daniel, qualifying for ODAC came much earlier in her collegiate track experience. She said she first began running track in middle school after deciding to try something new.

“I didn’t expect to fall in love with it,” Daniel said. “But I really liked the competition and seeing how much I could push myself.”

When she learned she had qualified for the ODAC championships, Daniel said the moment felt both surprising and rewarding.

“I was honestly a little shocked,” Daniel said. “One of the events I qualified for, I hadn’t even done before. It felt like one of those moments where you realize the hard work is actually paying off.”

Daniel said consistency and discipline have been key factors in her success this season.

“Even on days I didn’t feel 100%, I still showed up,” Daniel said. She also credited her coaches and teammates for pushing her to improve. “They remind me what I’m capable of.”

Although their paths to ODAC qualification have been different, both athletes said the experience represents an important milestone in their track careers.

Daniel said she hopes to continue improving and compete confidently at the conference meet, while Torain is already thinking about how his experiences in the sport could influence his future.