Former Riverview High grad and current University of Florida steeplechaser Steve Zieminski isn't an overnight success story. Although he accumulated school records in the 1,600 and 3,200 meter runs - his state final appearances didn\'t always reveal his true potential. He had an inconsistent label, but Steve learned to push aside his critics and focus on what he can control.
The Florida junior is extremely business in his demeanor and for an accounting major that fits just fine. Of his many proficient personal bests – his 8:40 3000 meter steeple has given the tall, lanky junior a new challenge to hurdle in more ways than one. He won the 2002 Penn Relays title in the steeple, and recently took fifth in 8:52 at this season's carnival. He teamed up with comrades Moise Joseph, Dwight Ruff and Shane Stroup to win the 2003 Indoor DMR title over Arkansas. Although his mile time is solid – the steeple has given Zieminski a name for himself. Coach Jeff Pigg has designed Steve's training for the rigorous endeavor of the steeple. Although Zieminski has speed, Pigg prefers to add in more strength work. As the season comes to another epic close, Steve is eyeing the key focus of the end of the season. "I'm working on speed and getting my hurdling down," says Steve as his eyes look ahead to the end of season. Zieminski teams up with Daniel Parker, a former standout at Boone High, to form a duo that creates havoc for opposing teams. Parker had a stellar track session at 5,000 meters last spring, but has showed much promise in the steeple. Zieminski enjoys the company. "He was more focused on the 5K last season. It's good to have a training partner with me," said Steve of his teammate.
Life in the SEC's can rough. Okay, flat out horrific on a bad day. Zieminski dueled against Arkansas's Alistar Cragg, Jason Sandfort, and former FPC star Sam Vasquez during the indoor campaign. He found his niche in the steeple where last season – Daniel Lincoln ruled the conference and the country. But, now eyes in the SEC are on Zieminski, who since his high school days in south Florida, has a conscious effort to decrease the amount of sub-par performances that would taint his resume. After a cross campaign where he punched a ticked to Northern Iowa by taking sixth at the South Region in conjunction with his current training -Zieminski's best steeple is still ahead of him. Steve took care of his most recent exams in Gainesville, but another chance to dethrone Arkansas awaits on the horizon at the SEC Champs.
Later in May, Steve will get to run his East Regional steeple race in the friendly, humid confines of Gainesville. This could make those snowbirds from the Northeast plummet after they assume the Sunshine State is always so easy to run in. With finals over and college kids departing Gainesville for the summer, Steve has unfinished business to tend to. A National Title is up for grabs. "Everyone here is really interested in a high finish at Nationals. That gives you an everyday reminder of what you're trying to accomplish," concluded Zieminski.