David Gilstrap is inspired by Freddie Crittenden’s work ethic and drive. Crittenden insists it’s his freshman teammate that has made him become a better role model.

“Since the first day we met we kind of had this chemistry,” said Crittenden, a sophomore hurdler. “We’re kind of like the same person.”

Gilstrap and Crittenden, two of Syracuse’s top hurdlers, share a similar sense of humor, think alike and even simultaneously burst into spontaneous dance when random music comes on. This season, they will use what they have learned from one another as motivation as they train for the beginning of the outdoor track season.

Before they were close friends and Gilstrap was still in high school, the freshman said he would stalk Crittenden, admiring his soon-to-be teammate’s “flawless form.” Gilstrap said he knew Crittenden, who qualified for the Atlantic Coast Conference Indoor Championships this season, was really good. His intensity, however, has been on another level.

“It’s all or nothing. Like for him, it’s balls to the walls,” Gilstrap said. “You have to be on point. There’s no slacking. If you slack, he will definitely get on you.”

Despite this, Crittenden isn’t afraid to praise a job well done. When he heard that Gilstrap was in the ACC finals, the sophomore told him it was a result of the hard work and dedication his teammate had poured in up to that point.

Dave Hegland, Syracuse’s assistant coach, said he believes Gilstrap has benefitted from having older guys like Crittenden to look up to. Hegland praised Gilstrap’s willingness to be coached, desire to learn and ability to make quick adjustments.

“You can tell him something once and he’ll change it right away,” Hegland said. “… He’s done a fantastic job for us.”

Crittenden said he also sees a lot in Gilstrap, who is already running practice times faster than his own were at this point last year. And while Gilstrap has blossomed under the influence of his more experienced friend, Critttenden is quick to point out that he has also learned from his younger teammate.

Gilstrap, who has remained dedicated to his schedule of 8 a.m. classes and healthy eating, has motivated Crittenden to work harder and improve himself.

“He’s shown me more than he knows,” Crittenden said. “Him showing me stuff has made me better. He sees me as what I am now, (but) I’ve grown from seeing him.”

Despite qualifying for the ACC Indoor Track & Field Championships, a hamstring injury prevented Crittenden from participating. With younger runners like Gilstrap looking up to him, the sophomore is making it a point to take better care of himself. Crittenden is hoping a more aggressive regiment of stretching, healthy eating, sleeping and baths will translate into a long and injury-free outdoor season.

“Going into outdoors this year, I have kind of a chip on my shoulder,” Crittenden said. “I kind of went into it last year like, ‘Oh there’s no pressure, this is only my first year.’ But this year I’m older and faster and stronger; people know who I am.

“I have younger athletes like David, Pascal (Bastien), Kashief (Miller) looking up to me and stuff and I’m going to have to be an example.”

Crittenden made it no secret that Gilstrap’s dedication to his studies and training every day have greatly inspired him.

Now, the sophomore is prepared to kick up his intensity in another area to become the role model he feels he needs to be while Gilstrap takes the opportunity to improve next to his friend in stride.

“I’m going to push him as hard as I can because I know he can do a lot this year,” Crittenden said. “Even though sometimes he may not think he can, I think he can do a lot this year and I’m looking forward to him being right on my hip.”

Published on March 18, 2015 at 12:01 am

Contact Matt: mralex01@syr.edu