Michigan's Simms sets hurdle mark
By Dennis Anderson
Advertiser Staff Writer
You've got to give it to Vera Simms. She knows how to make a 21st birthday unforgettable.
In the space of seven days, Simms, a 2000 Mililani High School graduate, turned 21, broke her own University of Michigan women's record in the 400-meter hurdles, and was chosen Big Ten Conference Athlete of the Week for her sport.
SIMMS
Simms ran the one-lap hurdles race — one of the sport's most demanding events — in 58.43 seconds at the Florida State Relays on Saturday, breaking the Wolverine record of 58.50 she had set in winning the Big Ten championship last May.
In her first outdoor meet of the season, Simms became the first qualifier for the 400 hurdles in the NCAA's new regional qualifying system. She ran more than 3 seconds faster than the time required to qualify.
"She set the bar very high for herself," Michigan coach James Henry said yesterday. "She realizes she can run at that level and stay at that level. If she keeps improving and meets the standards of where she should be when she is peaking, it will be phenomenal.
"But if she doesn't meet those particular goals," he stressed, "I wouldn't consider it a failure."
Yesterday, Simms was in the Michigan track office, studying her race on tape. "I had terrible hurdle form," she said. "I'm trying to figure it out."
"That's what it takes to be a superstar," coach Henry said. "You don't live on the glories of your success. You always find something to improve upon."
Henry is delighted with his first Hawai'i recruit. "She is good stock, from good parents," he said. "She is willing to put in the necessary work, and accept the pain, suffering and sacrifice to be good.
"We're excited to have her here, not as an athlete but as a person."
Simms also is an outstanding engineering student.
Distance runner Todd Iacovelli (Punahou '02 of Kailua) became seriously ill with leptospirosis while home for Christmas vacation. He was hospitalized three days, lost weight, and will redshirt the outdoor season.
