Hard work finally paying off for Hollis

For several years, the IU men's track team has had a handful of athletes fighting to join the national ranks. Each year, these athletes step closer to the summit, training tirelessly to reach the top. One of these athletes is IU 600-meter record holder and current 800-meter threat senior Rodney Hollis. \n"Rodney is like several guys in our group -- right on the cusp of a big step in his career -- making the NCAAs. It's really helped him to see the guys in the distance group that are doing it," said distance coach Robert Chapman. "Rodney knows he has the talent to be on the starting line at nationals, and watching Sean Jefferson run four-flat in the mile just motivated him to make it happen."\nTeammates know the potential that Hollis holds.\n"If Rod can run 1:52 or better on his leg," said sophomore Eric Redman, "we'll have a great chance at running a fast qualifying time."\nHollis will join Jefferson, Redman and sophomore David Neville this weekend in the Distance Medley Relay at the Tyson Invitational at the University of Arkansas. Not contested at the NCAA Outdoor Championships, the DMR is a showcase event indoors. Despite producing several wins, including two 1:51 800-meter efforts this season (just shy of his personal best of 1:49), Rodney knows he has to deliver a top-notch effort for the team to qualify.\n"It will take a 1:51 in the 800-meter leg for the relay to make it," he said. "I want the relay to make it to the Indoor NCAAs and earn All-American honors." \nHollis almost always draws 4x400-meter relay duties as well. Whereas multiple events string out some athletes to the point where it affects their performance, some of Hollis' best performances have come after tough earlier races.\n"My fastest times in the 600-meter dash and the 800-meter were run on heavy legs. Also, I enjoy the 4x4," he said. "Sometimes I can't believe that I am running as fast as I am on the relay."\nHollis is one half of one of IU's two sets of twins, along with the Jeffersons. Rodney and his brother Russell are training partners, a fact he feels is crucial to his success.\n"Having my brother to train with is good because he can do anything I can," Hollis said. "I want to set a school record in the 800-meters during indoor. I'm close to it already, and we have four more weeks to go. I think Russell has a chance at it, also."\nHollis sets the bar high in his personal goals. Outdoors, he plans on personal bests in the 800- and 400-meters, aiming for 1:47 and 46.5, respectively. \nHis ambition does not end on the track, however. He plans on attending graduate school in neurobiology with an interest in researching the regeneration of an injured spinal cord, which could lead to a cure for paralysis. Despite his personal goals, Hollis emphasizes the importance of representing his hometown, Michigan City, in every race. \n"I feel like every time I succeed, I want my old teachers and coaches to know because it's a reflection of their hard work, time and effort," Hollis said. "The success of my peers from high school at IU inspires me to keep working. They're leaders in everything they do, and hopefully, I reach that level on this team"