T&F: HUSKER SPRING INVITATIONAL
When	Saturday, April 9, 2016 | 10 a.m. CT
Where	Ed Weir Track | Lincoln, Neb.
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Taking part in college athletics is already an incredibly demanding task. Add to that being on a music scholarship and performing in the USD choir and people get a glimpse of what freshman distance runner Eldon Warner's life looks like.
 
A native of Council Bluffs, Iowa, Warner always knew he wanted to both sing and run at the college he was to attend. What he didn't know was which college he could attend that would allow him to pursue both of his passions.
 
Last April, while performing at Iowa's Solo/Small Ensemble Competition, Warner was able to meet USD's Director of Choral Activities Dr. David Holdhusen, who helped persuade Warner to attend the University of South Dakota.
 
"I hadn't even considered South Dakota at that point because I didn't know if a school that big would allow me to sing but also run," Warner said.
 
At first, Warner's journey to USD looked like it may never happen because the men's cross country and track rosters were full at the time.
 
"When I spoke with [distance] coach Dan Fitzsimmons about what I wanted to do, he told me he wasn't sure he had a spot for me at the moment," Warner said. "Fortunately a spot did open up and I couldn't have been more excited."
 
Since arriving on campus this past August, Warner says the adjustment to college has been difficult, but the help of both his track and field teammates and his fellow choir members, has made the transition go very smoothly.
 
"It's been such a welcoming environment," Warner said. "I was nervous with USD being a bigger school than I had originally planned to attend, but both my teammates on the cross country and track teams, and in the choir, helped me get over the anxiety of coming to a bigger school."
 
Another thing his college classmates have helped Warner realize is the hard work it takes to being both a college student-athlete, as well as a collegiate choral performer.
 
"In high school I was always one of the top cross country runners and now I'm just another member of the team," Warner said. "Same goes with singing. I was always a great singer and now I'm one of many great singers. It's been a truly humbling and rewarding experience."
 
His schedule between music and running has fit perfectly as neither conflicts with the other's schedule. Warner believes running and singing complement one another, helping him become the best he can be at both.
 
"Both running and singing are about control," Warner said. "When I run it's about controlling my nerves and making sure I'm pacing myself so I can run to the best of my ability. When I sing, it's about controlling my pitch and my breathing."
 
Warner believes that running allows his lung capacity to reach its highest limit and helps him hold longer notes, while singing teaches him about controlling his nerves and knowing how to perform his best on the biggest stage.
 
Not only have running and singing helped Warner become the person he is today, but also they continue to teach him lessons as his first year in college comes down to its final weeks.
 
"I've learned to push myself even when I want to quit," Warner said. "I've learned to go beyond my comfort zone in both singing and running. That desire will allow me to pursue both my passions and become the best I can at both while I'm here at USD."
 
The Coyote track and field teams travel to Lincoln, Neb., for the Husker Spring Invitational Saturday.