WSSU junior Wynter Stample had a revelation her eighth grade year that would lead to a running career.  "I did softball but the only thing I could do was run," she recalled.  "If I could have a good eye I could get on and steal bases."
 
She'll be one of the Rams top middle distance runners as the WSSU Track team competes in this weekend's Mondo College Invitational at the JDL Fast Track in Winston-Salem.  Stample also runs on the 'SU cross country and outdoor track teams.
 
Stample admits indoor track is not her favorite.  "There are so many people it's hard to breathe with all the teams competing," she explained.  "I like the whole outdoor environment of being able to walk around."
 
Her lineup of events this weekend will include the 400, 800 and mile.  The 800 is Stample's favorite.  "I feel like it's a good mixture of speed and endurance," she said.  "If I don't have a good start, I still have time to have a good race."
 
Running indoors requires a different mentality according to Stample.  "In indoors you're still running the same distance," she said, "but there a lot more curves, a lot more laps.  It's a whole mentality that's different."
 
Although she was a sprinter at Hickory Ridge High School in Raleigh, once she arrived at WSSU Coach Antonio Wells encouraged her to consider the middle distance events.  "I had run the 60, 100, 200 and 400, but Coach saw the potential in me," Stample said. "He pushed back on that.  I'm glad I made the switch."
 
Perhaps the most daunting challenge Stample has faced during her running career came during the COVID shutdown.  "I lost my senior year in high school and my freshman year at WSSU," she said.  "It was definitely hard because I was so used to constantly running.
 
"I didn't realize how much track was a stress reliever," added Stample.  "It was frustrating, disheartening, but I understood the precautions."
Stample has nothing but praise for Wells.  "He's always been my coach," she said.  "He is a lot more mellow.  He helps keep us calm.  He doesn't show it even if he's freaking out on the inside.  Our coaches have the ability to coach us up to win championships."
 
The Exercise Science major said her studies have also been a tremendous help in her training.  "There are so many things I've learned in my major that's helped me with running."  Once she graduates Stample will pursue getting advanced degrees that will lead to a career as a physical therapist.
 
She treasures her time at WSSU.  "I didn't think I was going to run in college," she said.  "I knew I wanted to be involved in something, but I didn't know if I was good enough to run in college. 
 
"I cherish my time of being on the track and being here," Stample continued. "I toured here in high school and liked the campus. I'm a homebody. It wasn't too far, and I could get home on weekends. I've grown so much.  I'm really glad I came here.
 
"I went to a predominately white high school," noted Stample.  "I'm glad I've got the experience (at a HBCU) to build confidence in the classroom.  I never raised my hand in high school.  Now, if I know the answer, I raise my hand."
 
Don't let the quiet, reserved first impression of Stample fool you.  "Once I get to know you, I can be loud," she said.  And on the track?  "I have that dog mentality.  I know I can do it."