If you believe that hurdling skills can run in the family, the Etherton’s would be the cornerstone of your argument. Not only did Eli Etherton, Nebraska Wesleyan '21, win this year’s D-III National Championship in the 60-meter hurdles, become an All-American, and set a new school record, he did it all just three years after dedicating himself to the sport. Prior to his time at Nebraska Wesleyan, Etherton played four years of varsity lacrosse with the Lincoln Rampage. Following his graduation from high school, Etherton enrolled at Nebraska Wesleyan—the school where his father, Scott, serves as an Assistant Track Coach.

Scott Etherton is no stranger to success at NWU. He too was a D-III National Championship in the 60-yard hurdles, an All-American, and a school record holder. His time of :07.35 in the 60-yard hurdles was not just the fastest time at the NAIA Championships or the fastest time in NWU history, it was the second-fastest time ever among NCAA Division III athletes in 1986. Yet, Scott never pressured Eli to follow in his footsteps; it was Eli who eventually came to the conclusion on his own. Starting from square one, Etherton’s natural proclivity to the sport didn’t take much time to kick in. As he continued through the next three seasons, his time continued to drop, and he finally broke the school record. Though, breaking it once was not quite enough for Etherton—he subsequently beat his own record four times throughout his career.

When asked about his success following his National Championship, Etherton stated, “Four months ago, I wouldn’t have believed you.” He also remarked, “Not everybody gets the chance to have their dad as a coach or have their dad as a school record-holder. And then go out and hopefully make him proud by doing the same event and getting your name up there next to his,” of being coached by his father.