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96 "I was happy with what I did. It was the first meet of my sophomore season and I got the win, even though I didn't get the time I wanted," Mallett said. "I know I can improve that as the season goes on. It's a stepping stone all the way. You have to stay composed and consistent and hopefully you get where you want to go." In his second competition at the Big 4 Duals in Ames, Iowa, on Jan. 24, Mallett was a member of the victorious 4x400-meter relay, he placed second in the 60 hurdles (7.96), and was sixth in the 200 (21.93). e second year in the UI track and field program is a smoother situation for Mallett. He has adjusted to life away from home and the rigors of academics as he studies pre-physical therapy. "Now I can focus on what I can tweak and fix on the track while still maintaining my academics," Mallett said. "I don't have that extra stress about worrying about academics. Even though they are getting harder, I can still manage them better than I did as a freshman. It's about adjusting to everything I have to do on my own, taking responsibility, and getting things done instead of sitting back and letting things slide by." One area he is fine-tuning is the control of pre- race nerves. Mallett says anxiety got the best of him as his freshman season came to a close and he doesn't want that to happen again. He trusts his training, coaches, teammates, and self. "Breath and relax," Mallett said. "at will get you through." In the University of Iowa, he also has one of the finest support systems in NCAA track and field. "You're not in this by yourself, you're in this with your team," Mallett said. "Your team is 100 percent behind you, so when you get that cheer from everyone, it makes you feel like a family. at's a great feeling when you have everybody behind you." e Hawkeyes continue their indoor season Jan. 24 at the Big Four Duals in Ames, Iowa. It is the event where Mallett claimed his first career collegiate hurdle victory. And it all started by chasing a wayward football.