Rain fell over Louisiana State University’s Bernie Moore Track Stadium last week as Minnesota’s sprinters and jumpers cycled through warmups, adjusting between heat, humidity and wet conditions opposite the cold Minnesota winter.

For seniors Aaron Charles and Hakeem Ford, the meet was not just another early-season competition. It was a test to see where they were for the season, competing at the Battle on the Bayou in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

Charles and Ford were part of the team continuing its outdoor season while balancing expectations, leadership roles and their transition into their final year. Both athletes are coming off standout 2025 seasons and are now focused on carrying their momentum from last year while guiding the Gophers.

“Oh my goodness, it was so crazy. It kept raining like on and off down there, and it’s hot, and it’s sticky,” Ford said.

Despite the conditions, both seniors evaluated their performances with measured honesty.

“I’d say definitely a seven,” Ford said. “I’m trying a new approach… it was an adjustment. But… I managed it well, and I was able to jump close to my personal record.”

Charles also gave himself the same score.

“Truthfully, I think it was like a nice seven… there’s a lot more things I think I got to clean up,” Charles said.

A year ago, Charles and Ford were focused on breaking through and pushing their limits. Now, they are focused on sustaining their records from last year. Charles said last season’s success came when he stopped overthinking and putting pressure on himself.

“Just stop stressing… go out there and be who you are. Just run,” Charles said.

But maintaining that mindset has become part of the challenge with the sport, especially after setting a new standard with himself. 

“How can I build on top of where I left off and then surpass that point?” Charles said.

Ford said competing at the NCAA and USA Championships changed how he approaches the sport. Being surrounded by elite athletes reinforced the importance of staying mentally locked when it matters. 

“You got to trust your preparation… once you get to those stages and then the lights come on. There is no time for nerves,” Ford said.

At the same time, competing in those competitions fueled his motivations, especially when he saw what is possible at the highest level of the sport. 

“When I see others stand up on that podium, it makes me so much more hungry. It gets me so much more motivated and so much more hopeful for what it is that I can do in the future,” Ford said.

Now, both seniors have taken on leadership roles within the program, helping guide underclassmen. Ford said his voice and leadership have grown naturally over time.

“Me naturally being a little bit more vocal […] it kind of bridged naturally,” Ford said. “Getting that captain role […] it allowed me to be in a better headspace.”

Charles said he focuses on setting the tone of the physical and mental demands of the sport.

“Making sure like I’m leading by example, what mind space should we be in… making sure I’m focused,” Charles said.

That leadership extends beyond competition. Both athletes said the reality of being a student-athlete is hard. Between classes, practices, meetings and recovery, they never have any free time and demands are always constant. 

“This sport is very mentally draining… you got to have some type of screw loose… to get up and do it all over again,” Charles said.

Ford said consistency is required.

“There is no like 50%, we’re always at the max,” Ford said.

As the season continues, neither athlete is focused on big goals. Instead, both emphasize preparation, trust and growth as they work toward finishing their careers strong. Charles said he prefers to stay open to what he can accomplish without placing limits on himself. 

“I kind of shy away from putting goals on myself… just go out there and run,” Charles said.

Ford said his focus is on preparation and mindset rather than outcomes.

“My goal is to make sure that my preparation is the best it can be,” Ford said.

Still, both athletes are planning to pursue professional track and field, with Ford considering competing for one more year at the collegiate level.

“The Olympics is something that’s always been in my mind,” Ford said.

As the Gophers move deeper into the outdoor season, they compete at the Gene Glader Invitational. Charles and Ford are no longer just chasing marks. They are shaping what comes next during the season and beyond.

“Watch out for them Gophers,” Ford said.